Duties of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their tasks will include the lifting and moving of supplies and goods from one area to another. They should be taught to safely utilized the forklift controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
OSHA and HRSDC both require lift truck drivers to perform daily and pre-shift checks. Lift truck driver training must include the correct performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken each year.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading supplies in a timely and safe method. This job also involves the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials which are to be moved could be part of the lift truck operator's duties.
Quality Control
The driver of the lift truck would be in charge of quality control. They have to make sure orders are correct and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
Lift truck drivers must have good skills in both awareness and attention. Drivers have to be very concerned with the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The operator 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. An operator's training would involve learning about the elements that may cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver should be really familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit that they are using. A forklift operator must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Accidents associated to forklifts are more likely to happen when an operator is exhausted.