responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Lift truck operators usually are employed in warehouses and factories. Their responsibility is to move supplies and loads from one location to another. They must be taught to safely use the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck drivers to carry out daily and pre-shift checks. Forklift operator training should comprise the proper performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken each year.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of unloading and loading supplies in a safe and timely method. This job also involves the stacking of supplies in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The duties of a lift truck driver can include weighing the supplies which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They have to make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are correct.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver should have exceptional skills in awareness and attention to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The operator should find the safest way to handle challenges, like for example navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator must determine the route that is the safest. An operator's training would include learning about the forces that could cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator must be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the lift truck unit that they are operating. A lift truck operator needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to happen when a driver is exhausted.