Duties of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their tasks would consist of the lifting and moving of materials and loads from one area to another. They should be trained to utilized the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must 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 must include the proper performance of safety checks to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken on an annual basis.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift driver is tasked with the job of unloading and loading materials in a timely and safe method. This job also involves the organized stacking of supplies so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The responsibilities of a forklift operator could include weighing the supplies that are being transported and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They should make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
Forklift drivers should have great skills in both attention and awareness. Operators have to be highly concerned with the safety of both employees and pedestrians. The driver will need to find the safest way to handle challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator will need to determine the route which is the safest. A driver's training will involve learning about the forces which might cause a forklift to tip over. The driver must be very familiar with the design and safety ratings of the lift truck unit which they are using. A forklift driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Accidents associated to forklifts are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.