Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities would consist of the lifting and moving of supplies and goods from one area to another. They should be trained to safely use the forklift controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers should pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require forklift drivers to carry out daily and pre-shift inspections. Forklift operator training must include the correct performance of safety checks to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken each year.
Loading and Unloading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to unloading and loading supplies in a timely and safe manner. This responsibility also involves the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials that are to be moved could be part of the lift truck driver's responsibilities.
Quality Control
The operator of the forklift will be in charge of quality control. They must make certain that products do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are correct.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck driver must have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The operator should find the safest way to handle difficulties, like for instance navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver should determine the route which is the safest. An operator's training would include learning about the forces which could cause a forklift to tip over. The operator should be really familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit that they are using. A forklift operator must be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Forklift mishaps are more likely to happen when an operator is exhausted.