Duties of a Forklift Driver
Lift truck operators normally are employed in factories and warehouses. Their responsibility is to transport supplies and loads from one place to another. They must be trained to use the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Operators must pass a drug test and have a background check.
Performing Checks
OSHA and HRSDC both require lift truck drivers to perform daily and pre-shift inspections. Lift truck operator training should consist of the correct performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on a yearly basis.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck operators perform tasks related to unloading and loading materials in a safe and timely way. This job also involves the stacking of goods in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
Weighing the supplies that are to be transported could be part of the lift truck operator's duties.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They should make certain that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible lift truck driver must have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Operators must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The driver would need to find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver must determine the safest route to take. A driver's training will include learning about the forces that could cause a forklift to tip over. The operator should be really familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit that they are utilizing. A lift truck operator should be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Mishaps associated to lift trucks are more likely to take place when an operator is exhausted.