responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their tasks would comprise the lifting and moving of supplies and loads from one place to another. They must be taught to use the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift operators carry out a daily pre-shift forklift check. Forklift driver training must comprise the correct performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Loading and Unloading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to loading and unloading materials in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also involves the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
Weighing the supplies that are to be transported can be part of the forklift operator's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers 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 forklift operator should have exceptional skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to deal with challenges, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator will need to determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will involve learning about the elements that could cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator has to be really familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit which they are using. A lift truck driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Forklift accidents are more likely to happen when a driver is tired.