responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their tasks will consist of the lifting and transporting of supplies and goods from one place to another. They must be trained to safely operate the forklift controls. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck drivers to perform daily and pre-shift checks. Forklift operator training must include 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 every year.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck operators perform tasks related to unloading and loading materials in a safe and timely manner. This job also includes the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the supplies which are to be transported can be part of the lift truck operator's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They must make certain that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are correct.
Safety Awareness
Lift truck operators must have great skills in both awareness and attention. Drivers need to be very concerned with the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The driver must find the safest way to handle difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator would have to determine the safest route to take. A driver's training would involve learning about the forces which could cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver must be very familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit that they are operating. A lift truck driver has to be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.