Duties of a Forklift Operator
Lift truck drivers typically are employed in warehouses and factories. Their job is to transport supplies and goods from one location to another. They need to be taught to safely use the forklift controls. Specialized training is a requirement. Drivers should pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck drivers to perform daily and pre-shift inspections. Forklift driver training should consist of 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 every year.
Loading and Unloading
Forklift operators perform tasks related to loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe method. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials that are to be transported could be part of the forklift operator's responsibilities.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They need to make sure orders are accurate and that products 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 must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to handle difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The driver should determine the safest route to take. An operator's training would involve learning about the forces which can cause a forklift to tip over. The operator must be extremely familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit that they are operating. A forklift operator must be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Forklift accidents are more likely to happen when an operator is exhausted.