responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their tasks will include the lifting and transporting of supplies and loads from one place to another. They should be taught to safely operate the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift operators perform a daily pre-shift forklift inspection. Forklift driver training should consist of the proper performance of safety checks to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on an annual basis.
Loading and Unloading
Forklift operators perform tasks related to loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also involves the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
Weighing the materials which are to be transported could be part of the lift truck driver's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They have to make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift operator must have exceptional skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to deal with challenges, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator would have to determine the safest route to take. A driver's training would involve learning about the forces which might cause a forklift to tip over. The driver 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 prevent fatigue. Accidents associated to lift trucks are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.