Forklift Operators Should Have Completed a Forklift Operator Certification Course

Forklift operators or industrial truck operators, transfer heavy loads of raw materials or finished goods in warehouses, factories, shipyards, construction sites, lumber or storage yards, discount stores, and various industrial settings. forklift operators can work indoors or outdoors, may have some contact with the general public, and may work shifts. forklift operators drive electric, gas, diesel or petroleum powered trucks of all sizes, equipped with metal fork attachments and hydraulic systems for lifting and pallets for carrying.

Every person driving a forkliftshould receive proper forklift operator training or forklift operator certification. forklift operator training and forklift operator certification can occur in a classroom setting and actual hands-on driving time. Many companies will not permit a forklift operator to drive a forklift unless they can prove that they are qualified to operate a powered industrial truck or other forklift equipment. forklift operators complete OSHA and other training courses to prove that the employee is fully qualified to operate forklift trucks.

In addition to transporting materials, forklift operator responsibilities may include loading the forklift , keeping records of materials transferred, verifying that materials are placed in the correct storage area for easy inventory, and being able to make minor adjustments and repairs to the forklift truck. The forklift operator may also work as a shipping clerk or operate other equipment on the worksite, such as a tractor with a trailer containing large loads for transfer.

Forklift operators can operate small electric forklifts moving finished materials in store shelves; large forklifts in manufacturing sites and warehouses transporting tools, parts, or equipment; or huge gas or diesel powered forklifts outdoors at construction sites or lumberyards loading logs, concrete slabs or other loads weighing thousands of pounds. Some forklifts may be equipped with cranes, telescopic attachments, shooting booms or shovels, depending on the industry or type of materials being transferred.

Forklift operator training is required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to be specific to the forklift operator’s worksite and type of forklift(s) being driven. If a forklift operator will be working indoors moving small loads or materials, the training focuses on small electric forklifts and potential hazards for that situation. For example, if the forklift operator works in a discount store or home improvement store, the forklift operator would have to be trained to be aware of safety concerns for the general public, as well as every feature and operation of electric forklift trucks. If the forklift operator will be working outdoors, the forklift operator would need to be trained to operate huge, complex gas powered forklift equipment and moving extremely large loads, much of which requires the operator to work closely with other personnel helping them maneuver the forklift , at often hazardous worksites.

A forklift operator should have a high school diploma or GED. The job outlook for forklift operators is positive because of both the demand for qualified forklift operators and a large turnover in the industry. If the forklift operator works in construction or manufacturing, forklift jobs may fluctuate along with the industry. forklift operators can earn between $ 9.00 an hour to $ 15.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience.

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