Forklift operator is a highly skilled and high paid position in Canada. The job of the forklift operator entails a lot of activities like lifting loads, loading and unloading materials like boxes, pallets or cases to and from storage facilities. This includes driving the forklift machines around the warehouse, loading raw material into the production line or moving finished goods on to trucks/freight cars for distribution.
One thing common between all these activities is the importance of the forklift machine. The forklift operator’s job involves working on this machine which will make his work easy and uninterrupted. So, for this post, one must be equipped with the knowledge about how to drive these machines.
Job Description
In a warehouse or manufacturing facility, forklift operators are often required to load and unload products from trucks, haul cargo from storage racks to production lines and move completed products from manufacturing line to packing areas.
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Forklift operators also load and unload materials from containers and store or transport them by forklift. In some facilities, forklifts are used for lifting heavy items weighing up to 2,000 pounds.
Forklift operators move materials within the warehouse using the truck mounted forklift. The operator must be able to use the controls to maneuver the forklift in tight spaces, cargo holds and work areas.
In construction, forklift operators move building materials like lumber, machinery, bricks and concrete to building locations. Forklift operators are also used for moving equipment and supplies at construction sites. Sometimes, the forklift operator may be required to assist with loading and unloading the building materials or other items into or out of a truck.
The skills required for this position include: Driving a forklift machine; working in tight spaces and lifting heavy goods from pallets onto delivery trucks. Forklift operators must be physically fit and able to lift heavy loads in all types of weather conditions.
Responsibilities
- Move materials from storage areas to work areas with a forklift machine.
- Load and unload containers and trucks, using a forklift machine.
- Unload raw materials from truck, using a forklift machine.
- Inspect, maintain and repair warehouse facilities: floors, walls, ceiling and walkways.
- Maintain forklift and equipment.
- Check, repair and service forklift machines.
- Make necessary repairs to warehouse facilities.
- Inspect, clean and maintain forklifts at work areas and warehouses.
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Education & Qualification
Forklift operators need a high school diploma or equivalent skills training certificate in order to get a job. Often, forklift operators begin as trainees and move up to the position of fully qualified operator over time. The training period varies depending on the employer but it can be as little as two weeks. On-the-job training is also conducted for specific equipment manufacturers by the manufacturer employees.
The forklift operator or the forklift driver will be held to a higher standard than many of their co-workers because of his high skill level. To ensure safe operation, forklift operators must be required to meet certain qualifications. This includes passing a physical examination and demonstrating a proper understanding of the operation and use of the equipment they will be operating while in the workplace.
