responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their tasks will consist of the lifting and transporting of supplies and loads from one area to another. They should be taught to utilized the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift operators perform a daily pre-shift lift truck inspection. Lift truck driver training should comprise the correct performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken every year.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of unloading and loading materials in a timely and safe method. This responsibility also involves the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
Weighing the supplies that are to be moved could be part of the lift truck operator's responsibilities.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They need to make sure that products do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck operator should have excellent skills in awareness and attention to safety. Operators should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The driver must find the safest way to handle challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator should determine the route which is the safest. A driver's training would involve learning about the elements that may cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver has to be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit which they are utilizing. A forklift driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Accidents associated to forklifts are more likely to take place when a driver is tired.