responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their responsibilities would comprise the lifting and transporting of supplies and loads from one place to another. They should be trained to safely utilized the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
OSHA and HRSDC both require lift truck operators to perform daily and pre-shift checks. Lift truck driver training should include the correct performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on an annual basis.
Loading and Unloading
The forklift driver is tasked with the job of unloading and loading supplies in a safe and timely way. This job also involves the stacking of goods in an organized way so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the supplies that are to be moved can be part of the lift truck driver's responsibilities.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They should make certain that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are accurate.
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 handle difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator would have to determine the safest route to take. An operator's training would include learning about the elements which could cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator should be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the lift truck unit that they are using. A forklift driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Forklift mishaps are more likely to occur when an operator is exhausted.