Forklifts play an important role within the distribution of goods. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. Then again, they should be used safely. Improper use of forklifts could result in injury to workers, damage to products, and serious accidents which can result in death.
Safety
If you operate a forklift correctly, it is quite safe. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents every year. 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.
Types of Equipment
Forklift operators should be trained on the particular type of forklift they will be utilizing on the job. A common kind used inside warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts normally used in industry consist of rough terrain units, narrow aisle trucks and operator up units.
Operator Requirements
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for forklift operators consist of certification involving both practical evaluations as well as classroom study. 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 typical forklift. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. The load capacity of a forklift depends on the unit and its attachments and options.
History
Forklifts were initially developed by Clark and by Yale, leading companies within the international forklift industry. Ever since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through many technological changes, mostly leading to the safe and efficient movement of product and improvements in operator safety.