responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift operators to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their tasks would comprise the lifting and transporting of supplies and goods from one area to another. They should be trained to use the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers should pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck operators perform a daily pre-shift lift truck inspection. Lift truck operator training should comprise the proper performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Unloading and Loading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to loading and unloading materials in a safe and timely method. This responsibility also involves the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials that are to be transported can be part of the forklift driver's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They must make sure orders are accurate and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver must have exceptional 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 must find the safest way to handle difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver should determine the safest route to take. A driver's training would include learning about the elements that may cause a forklift to tip over. The driver has to be extremely familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit that they are operating. A forklift operator should be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Accidents connected to forklifts are more likely to occur when a driver is exhausted.