Duties of a Forklift Driver
Lift truck operators usually are employed in warehouses and factories. Their job is to transport materials and goods from one place to another. They should be taught to safely operate the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift drivers perform a daily pre-shift lift truck check. Forklift operator training should comprise the proper performance of safety inspections to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on an annual basis.
Loading and Unloading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of unloading and loading supplies in a safe and timely method. This job also includes the organized stacking of materials so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The responsibilities of a forklift driver can include weighing the materials that are being transported and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They should make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are correct.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck operator should have exceptional skills in awareness and attention to safety. Operators should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like for instance navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator must determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will include learning about the forces which might cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator must be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the lift truck unit which they are utilizing. A lift truck operator must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Accidents connected to lift trucks are more likely to occur when an operator is exhausted.