responsibilities of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift drivers to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their tasks will consist of the lifting and transporting of supplies and goods from one area to another. They should be taught to use the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
HRSDC and OSHA both require lift truck drivers to carry out daily and pre-shift inspections. Forklift driver training must consist of the proper performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken each year.
Unloading and Loading
Forklift operators perform tasks related to loading and unloading materials in a safe and timely way. This job also includes the stacking of goods in an organized way so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
Weighing the materials which are to be moved can be part of the lift truck driver's responsibilities.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They need to make certain orders are correct and that products do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver must have excellent skills in awareness and attention to safety. Operators must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The operator will have to find the safest way to deal with difficulties, like for example navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver should determine the route that is the safest. A driver's training will include learning about the elements which may cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator must be extremely familiar with the safety ratings and design of the forklift unit which they are using. A forklift driver needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Forklift mishaps are more likely to occur when a driver is tired.