Within the distribution of goods business, forklifts play a really important part. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. Then again, they must be used safely. Improper use of forklifts can result in injury to employees, damage to products, and serious accidents which can result in death.
Safety
If you operate a forklift correctly, it is fairly safe. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents each and every year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that nearly all of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and proper training.
Types of Machines
Forklift operators must be trained on the specific kind of forklift they will be utilizing on the job. A popular kind used within distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts normally used within industry comprise narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain units.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification which includes both classroom study and practical evaluations is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. The three-year certification is not transferable; if switching employers, operators should become recertified.
Load Capacities
Conventional forklifts have a load capacity of 1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in several units. A forklift's load capacity will depend on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Yale and Clark, the top companies in the worldwide forklift business,were the first to develop forklifts. Ever since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through numerous technological advances, particularly leading to improvements in operator safety and the safe and efficient movement of product.