responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their responsibilities will consist of the lifting and moving of supplies and goods from one place to another. They should be taught to operate the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Drivers should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
OSHA and HRSDC both require forklift drivers to carry out daily and pre-shift checks. Lift truck driver training should include the correct performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on an annual basis.
Unloading and Loading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely manner. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of materials so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials that are to be moved can be part of the lift truck driver's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They should make certain orders are correct and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver must have excellent skills in awareness and attention to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The operator will have to find the safest way to handle challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator should determine the route that is the safest. A driver's training would involve learning about the elements that could cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver should be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit which they are utilizing. A lift truck driver has to be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Forklift accidents are more likely to take place when an operator is exhausted.