responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Lift truck drivers usually are employed in warehouses and factories. Their job is to move materials and loads from one location to another. They must be taught to use the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck drivers perform a daily pre-shift lift truck check. Forklift operator training should consist of the proper 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 year.
Loading and Unloading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The responsibilities of a forklift driver could include weighing the supplies which are being transported and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They must make certain that products do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck driver should have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Operators should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The operator will have to find the safest way to handle difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator will need to determine the safest route to take. A driver's training would involve learning about the forces which may cause a forklift to tip over. The operator should be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are operating. A forklift operator needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Forklift mishaps are more likely to take place when a driver is exhausted.