In the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a really vital role. They can efficiently move product through the distribution process. However, they must be used safely. Improper use of forklifts could cause injury to employees, damage to products, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
If you operate a forklift correctly, it is quite safe. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on a yearly basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents that involve forklifts. The tragedy is that the majority of these accidents are avoidable with proper training and attention to safety.
Kinds of Equipment
Forklift operators should be trained on the specific type of forklift they will be using on the job. A popular kind used within warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts usually used within industry comprise operator up units, rough terrain units and narrow aisle trucks.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification which includes both practical evaluations and classroom study is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. The three-year certification is not transferable; if switching employers, operators must become recertified.
Load Capacities
1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms is the load capacity of a conventional forklift. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in various units. A forklift's load capacity depends on the unit and its attachments and options.
History
Forklifts were first developed by Clark and by Yale, top companies in the worldwide forklift business. Ever since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through lots of technological changes, particularly leading to the efficient and safe movement of product and improvements in operator safety.