responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Forklift drivers normally are employed in factories and warehouses. Their responsibility is to transport materials and loads from one location to another. They should be trained to operate the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift operators perform a daily pre-shift forklift inspection. Forklift operator training must comprise the correct performance of safety inspections to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken each year.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck drivers perform tasks related to loading and unloading supplies in a timely and safe method. This job also involves the stacking of materials in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials which are to be transported can be part of the forklift driver's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They have to make sure orders are correct and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver must have exceptional skills in attention and awareness to safety. Operators should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The operator should find the safest way to handle difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator will need to determine the route which is the safest. An operator's training will include learning about the forces which can cause a forklift to tip over. The operator must be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are operating. A lift truck driver has to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Forklift mishaps are more likely to take place when an operator is exhausted.