Duties of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities would consist of the lifting and transporting of supplies and loads from one area to another. They need to be trained to operate the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Checks
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck operators to perform daily and pre-shift inspections. Forklift driver training should include the correct performance of safety checks to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken every year.
Loading and Unloading
Forklift drivers perform tasks related to unloading and loading materials in a timely and safe method. This job also involves the stacking of materials in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The responsibilities of a forklift operator could include weighing the supplies which are being transported and recording the weights.
Quality Control
The operator of the lift truck would be in charge of quality control. They must make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
Forklift operators should have great skills in both awareness and attention. Drivers need to be highly concerned with the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to deal with difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver will have to determine the route which is the safest. An operator's training would involve learning about the elements that may cause a forklift to tip over. The operator must be extremely familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit which they are using. A lift truck driver should be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Forklift accidents are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.