Within the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very vital role. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. Nonetheless, they should be used safely. Incorrect operation of forklifts could cause injury to workers, damage to products, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
Forklifts are rather safe as long as they are utilized properly. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on a yearly basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that the majority of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and proper training.
Kinds of Equipment
Forklift operators should be trained on the specific type of forklift they will be using on the job. A common kind utilized inside warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts normally utilized within industry comprise rough terrain units, narrow aisle trucks and operator up units.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification which covers 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 changing employers, operators must become recertified.
Load Capacities
1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms is the load capacity of a standard forklift. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in various units. A forklift's load capacity would depend on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Forklifts were first developed by Clark and by Yale, leading companies within the worldwide forklift industry. Since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has undergone a lot of technological advances, mostly leading to improvements in operator safety and the efficient and safe movement of product.