responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their tasks would include the lifting and transporting of materials and goods from one area to another. They need to be trained to use the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Drivers should pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck drivers perform a daily pre-shift forklift inspection. Lift truck driver training should comprise the proper performance of safety inspections to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe way. This job also includes the stacking of supplies in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
Weighing the supplies that are to be transported can be part of the lift truck operator's duties.
Quality Control
The driver of the forklift will be in charge of quality control. They must make sure orders are correct and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver should have exceptional skills in attention and awareness to safety. Operators must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The driver would have to find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator would have to determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will involve learning about the elements that may cause a forklift to tip over. The operator has to be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit which they are using. A lift truck driver should be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.