responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Lift truck drivers typically are employed in warehouses and factories. Their responsibility is to transport supplies and loads from one place to another. They should be trained to safely utilized the lift truck controls. 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 lift truck operators perform a daily pre-shift forklift check. Lift truck operator training should consist of the proper performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken each year.
Loading and Unloading
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 materials so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The responsibilities of a forklift operator can include weighing the supplies that are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
The operator of the forklift will be in charge of quality control. They have to make certain that products do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck driver must have excellent skills in awareness and attention to safety. Operators must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver will have to determine the route that is the safest. A driver's training will include learning about the elements that might cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator has to be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are operating. A forklift driver should be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Accidents connected to forklifts are more likely to happen when an operator is tired.