Duties of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift operators to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities will include the lifting and moving of materials and goods from one place to another. They should be trained to utilized 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 lift truck operators perform a daily pre-shift forklift check. Lift truck operator training must consist of the correct performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken each and every year.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe manner. This job also includes the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials which are to be transported could be part of the forklift driver's responsibilities.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They have to make sure orders are accurate and that products do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
Lift truck drivers should have great skills in both awareness and attention. Drivers have to be highly concerned with the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to deal with challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver must determine the safest route to take. A driver's training would include learning about the elements which might cause a forklift to tip over. The driver should be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are utilizing. A lift truck driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Forklift mishaps are more likely to occur when an operator is exhausted.