responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Forklift operators typically are employed in warehouses and factories. Their responsibility is to transport supplies and goods from one location to another. They should be trained to utilized the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require forklift drivers to perform daily and pre-shift inspections. Forklift operator training should consist of the correct performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken every year.
Loading and Unloading
The forklift driver is tasked with the job of loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also involves the organized stacking of materials so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The duties of a forklift operator can include weighing the supplies which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They have to make certain that products do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
Forklift drivers must have good skills in both awareness and attention. Operators have to be highly concerned with the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The operator would need to find the safest way to handle difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator should determine the route which is the safest. A driver's training would include learning about the forces that could cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver needs to be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the lift truck unit which they are using. A lift truck operator should be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Accidents associated to lift trucks are more likely to occur when a driver is exhausted.