Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities will comprise the lifting and transporting of supplies and goods from one area to another. They should be taught to safely use the forklift controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck operators to carry out daily and pre-shift checks. Forklift operator training must comprise the proper performance of safety inspections to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading materials in a safe and timely method. This responsibility also includes the stacking of goods in an organized way so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
Weighing the materials which are to be transported could be part of the forklift operator's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They must make certain orders are correct and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck driver must have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The driver must find the safest way to deal with challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver should determine the route that is the safest. An operator's training will involve learning about the elements which could cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver needs to be extremely familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit which they are using. A forklift operator must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Mishaps connected to lift trucks are more likely to happen when a driver is tired.