Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their tasks would consist of the lifting and transporting of supplies and loads from one area to another. They should be taught to safely use the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators should pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck operators to perform daily and pre-shift inspections. Forklift operator training should consist of the proper performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading supplies in a safe and timely way. This responsibility also involves the stacking of materials in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the supplies which are to be transported could be part of the forklift operator's duties.
Quality Control
The driver of the lift truck will be in charge of quality control. They should make sure orders are accurate and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver should have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The driver would need to find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The driver will need to determine the route that is the safest. A driver's training would involve learning about the forces that can cause a forklift to tip over. The driver has to be extremely familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit which they are utilizing. A forklift driver has to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Accidents connected to lift trucks are more likely to take place when a driver is exhausted.