responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Lift truck operators usually are employed in warehouses and factories. Their responsibility is to move supplies and goods from one place to another. They should be trained to utilized the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Checks
HRSDC and OSHA both require forklift drivers to perform daily and pre-shift checks. Forklift driver training must consist of the correct performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on an annual basis.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck operators perform tasks related to loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely method. This job also includes the stacking of supplies in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The duties of a forklift operator can include weighing the materials which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They should make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are correct.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck operator should have exceptional skills in awareness and attention to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The driver will need to 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 forces that might cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator must be very familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit that they are utilizing. A forklift operator needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Forklift mishaps are more likely to occur when an operator is exhausted.