responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their responsibilities would comprise the lifting and transporting of materials and goods from one area to another. They must be trained to use the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck drivers carry out a daily pre-shift forklift check. Lift truck operator training should include 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 each year.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of unloading and loading materials in a timely and safe way. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of materials so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The responsibilities of a forklift driver can include weighing the materials which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are 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 lift truck operator should have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Operators must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to deal with difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator will have to determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will involve learning about the forces which might cause a forklift to tip over. The driver has to be very familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit which they are utilizing. A lift truck operator must be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to happen when an operator is exhausted.