Forklift jobs involve the moving of heavy materials from one place to another and the operators are using forklift trucks for this purpose. These are industrial trucks and the drivers are called forklift operators. As a forklift operator, you need to use machinery for moving heavy materials, such as construction materials, heavy boxes, pallets products, and earth. The job of a forklift operator is different from that of commercial truck drivers. The duty of a forklift operator involves moving of materials over short distances like factories, warehouses, construction sites, etc.
Major Responsibilities of Forklift Operators
Loading and unloading of shipping containers and trucks are the major responsibilities of a forklift operator. You must also need to maintain electrical components of manufacturing industries. Forklift operator is responsible for maintaining all welding and machinery work of industries. Other responsibilities are:
- Managing and protecting materials, such as pallets,
super sacks, etc,
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- Need to perform pre examination for ensuring working capability,
- Need to report to executives and managers if there is any safety hazard or rack,
- Weigh products and materials,
- Need to manage everything related to loading and unloading of materials,
- Need to coordinate supervisors and staffs if there is any change in loading and unloading of materials from shipping containers or trucks,
- Need to manage members of staff working under you,
- Driving lift trucks,
- Lowering and raising forks, etc.
Requirements to get a Forklift Job
Competition in the field of forklift job is very high. Therefore, you must have a valid driving license and a clean driving record. Keeping away from drugs is also equally important.
You must also be able to use your hands and legs alike. The nature of work also involves pushing and lifting heavy objects, stretching, bending, etc. Good physical health, clear eyesight, etc are the other requirements to become a forklift operator. You must also be able to react quickly whenever necessary.
Education requirements
A high school diploma or GED is essential for getting a forklift job. This must include courses in English, Mathematics, Physical Education and Science. You must also have an OSHA compliant certificate for becoming a certified forklift operator. Some companies conduct job related training in forklift and lift equipment operations. You can also enroll in forklift operator training course, which is conducted by technical schools, industrial training facilities, community colleges, online training courses, etc.
Work Environment
Forklift operators can work in warehouses, flight lines, shipyards, docks and other industrial work sites. You need to spend most of your working hours in the indoors of warehouses, factory sheds, and other such places. You need to work inside the cab of forklift truck. You must also be familiar with working on machines, use of tools, knowledge to repair machine, etc.
Dangers at Forklift Workplace
Forklift workplace is considered as one of the most dangerous work sites due to the negligence from the side of drivers and other workers regarding strict forklift safety procedures. Some of the most common and highly dangerous risks are:
- Chances of being crushed or run over,
- Falls, trips, and slips,
- Chances of falling from elevated makeshift work platforms,
- Falling loads,
- Contact with power lines,
- Exhaust fumes exposure in confined areas, etc.
You can avoid these risks by following some strict forklift safety rules. You must be highly competent and licensed operator and need to work under a supervisor. While loading and unloading, you need to follow clear zones. Inspect and maintain forklift regularly, usage of proper forklift attachments, keeping safe speed limits, secure forklift from unauthorized operations, etc are the other duties a forklift operator must follow in order to avoid dangers.
You must also be able to create some traffic management plans, such as identify hazards, assess risks, minimize and eliminate risks, review and monitor plan, etc.
Forklift operator Salary
Forklift jobs are highly paying positions and you can get some other positions like management. Before applying for the job, you must be aware of the qualifications and responsibilities required for working as forklift operator. As per US Department of Labor Statistics, a highly experienced, certified forklift operator can earn around $ 50,000 per year at Alaska. The wages of forklift operator varies by location, experience, certification, etc. Forklift operators will get highest wages in Alaska, Nevada, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. You can also work for part time or full time forklift operators. In order to get high payment forklift jobs, you must also be a good communicator.