Duties of a Forklift Driver
Forklift drivers normally are employed in warehouses and factories. Their job is to transport materials and loads from one location to another. They must be trained to use the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Drivers should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift drivers perform a daily pre-shift lift truck inspection. Forklift driver training must comprise the correct performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on an annual basis.
Unloading and Loading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also involves the stacking of supplies in an organized way so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The responsibilities of a forklift driver can include weighing the supplies which are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They should make sure orders are correct and that products do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
Forklift operators should have good skills in both awareness and attention. Drivers have to be very concerned with the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to deal with challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver should determine the route which is the safest. An operator's training would involve learning about the elements that can cause a forklift to tip over. The driver must be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit that they are utilizing. A forklift driver needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to take place when an operator is tired.