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What to Expect As A Forklift Driver
Once you are fully trained as a forklift operator, quite a few jobs will open up to you. A large number of businesses have job openings for experienced and well-trained forklift operators.
You should anticipate a sizable number of variations in the job description from one employer to the next because forklifts are utilized today in a wide range of indoor and outdoor locations. Despite the large array of work conditions, there are several fundamental duties that are often the same regardless of employer.
Image courtesy of iStock by Getty Images – Photo by Olga Kurbatova
What a Forklift Drive Should Expect
In order to give you a general sense of what to expect if you’re thinking about enrolling in a forklift certification course, we’ve listed 10 of them below. Just keep in mind that depending on your place of employment, your daily responsibilities may vary substantially.
In essence, a forklift driver typically has to load and unload cargo. These things may occasionally only need to be moved a few feet, but other times, they may need to be transported throughout a whole warehouse.
You will probably need to inspect your equipment before using it as an operator. You can even have a daily checklist that you must complete and sign. It is important that you conduct a pre-shift inspection even if your employer does not demand one. Simply arrive a few minutes early for your shift and complete one anyhow. After all, defective machinery can endanger your safety.
It may be necessary for you to manually move items onto your fork, and you are always in charge of making sure your load is centered and piled correctly.
Forklift Duties
This list will provide you with a broad sense of the things you might need to complete each day but remember that these are simply suggestions. There may be items on this list that you’ll never have to complete.
- Pick orders from inventory using a pick sheet.
- Keep track of and monitor inventory.
- Safely arrange and secure products such as boxes, bales, pallets, and super stacks.
- Move hazardous items, weigh products and/or cargo, and record the weight. Report any broken equipment, rack damage, or other potential safety issues.
- Take refresher training for your certification.
- Maintain a tidy workspace, use basic math abilities, and analyze production plans to calculate movement, delivery, and material needs.
- Maintain equipment by cleaning, oiling, recharging, refueling, etc.
- Attend meetings with manager and coworkers.
- Prepare, present, and/or approve bill of ladings.
- Use radio frequency equipment as required for picking, putting away, receiving, and loading tasks.
It’s critical to understand your duties in detail before beginning a new job. You do not want to have to make educated guesses or seek other staff for help. Review your work description with your manager to prevent any conflicts or unfavorable situations.
Forklift Training Bahrns Equipment
Bahrns Equipment, the parent company of Forklift Accessories, has a long history covering more than 50 years in forklift sales, service, parts, forklift rental, material handling equipment, warehouse supplies, and shipping supplies. We have a number of great forklift training materials so you can get certified and start your new career.
Customer satisfaction has always been a top goal for Bahrns. The organization has a reputation for quality, service, and honesty and is now a recognized leader in the numerous industries we work in. We appreciate our customers and the trust you place in us each day.
