responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for forklift operators to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities will consist of the lifting and moving of supplies and goods from one place to another. They need to be trained to operate the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck operators carry out a daily pre-shift forklift check. Forklift driver training should include the correct performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Unloading and Loading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to unloading and loading materials in a safe and timely method. This job also includes the stacking of materials in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The duties of a forklift operator could include weighing the supplies which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
The driver of the lift truck will be in charge of quality control. They need to make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
Forklift drivers should have great skills in both awareness and attention. Operators have to be very concerned with the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The operator should find the safest way to handle difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator must determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will involve learning about the forces which could cause a forklift to tip over. The driver must be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are using. A forklift driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Accidents associated to lift trucks are more likely to happen when an operator is tired.