Duties of a Forklift Driver
Lift truck drivers usually are employed in warehouses and factories. Their responsibility is to move materials and loads from one location to another. They need to be trained to safely operate the forklift controls. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
OSHA and HRSDC both require forklift drivers to perform daily and pre-shift checks. Lift truck driver training should consist of the correct performance of safety checks to guarantee 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 operators perform tasks related to loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe manner. This job also includes the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The duties of a forklift operator could include weighing the materials that are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They must make certain orders are accurate and that products do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver should have exceptional skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to deal with challenges, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator must determine the route which is the safest. A driver's training would include learning about the forces that can cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator must be extremely familiar with the design and safety ratings of the lift truck unit that they are utilizing. A lift truck driver should be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Mishaps associated to forklifts are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.