Duties of a Forklift Operator
Forklift drivers usually are employed in warehouses and factories. Their responsibility is to move materials and loads from one place to another. They should be trained to safely utilized the forklift controls. Specialized training is a requirement. Drivers must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck drivers perform a daily pre-shift lift truck check. Lift truck driver training must consist of the proper performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on an annual basis.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift driver is tasked with the job of unloading and loading supplies in a timely and safe way. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The responsibilities of a forklift driver could include weighing the materials that are being transported and recording the weights.
Quality Control
The driver of the lift truck will be in charge of quality control. They must make certain orders are correct and that products do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck operator should have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to deal with challenges, like for example navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The driver will need to determine the route which is the safest. An operator's training would include learning about the forces that may cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator has to be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are utilizing. A lift truck driver has to be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Accidents connected to forklifts are more likely to take place when a driver is tired.