Duties of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities would include the lifting and moving of materials and goods from one area to another. They should be taught to utilized the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers should pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require forklift operators to carry out daily and pre-shift checks. Forklift operator training should comprise the correct 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 a yearly basis.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck operators perform tasks related to unloading and loading materials in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of materials so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The responsibilities of a forklift operator can include weighing the materials which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They have to make certain orders are accurate and that products do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift operator should have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The driver would need to find the safest way to deal with challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator must determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will include learning about the forces which could cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator needs to be really familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit which they are utilizing. A forklift driver should be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to occur when a driver is exhausted.