responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for lift truck operators 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 must be taught to use the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators must pass a drug test and have a background check.
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 comprise the proper performance of safety checks 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.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck drivers perform tasks related to loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe way. This job also includes the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the supplies that are to be transported could be part of the lift truck operator's duties.
Quality Control
The driver of the lift truck will be in charge of quality control. They must make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver must have excellent skills in awareness and attention to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The driver should determine the safest route to take. An operator's training will include learning about the elements which may cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator must be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are using. A lift truck driver should be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Accidents connected to lift trucks are more likely to happen when a driver is exhausted.