Within the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very vital part. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. However, they must be used safely. Improper operation of forklifts can cause injury to employees, damage to products, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
If you use a forklift correctly, it is quite safe. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents each and every year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents involving forklifts. The tragedy is that most of these accidents are avoidable with proper training and attention to safety.
Kinds of Machinery
Forklift operators must be trained on the particular kind of forklift they would be using on the job. A common kind used inside distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts usually utilized in industry consist of narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain units.
Operator Requirements
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for forklift operators consist of certification involving both classroom study as well as practical evaluations. The three-year certification is not transferable; if changing employers, operators should become recertified.
Load Capacities
Typical forklifts have a load capacity of 1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms. Higher load capacities up to and beyond 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. The load capacity of a forklift depends on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Clark and Yale, the leading companies in the international forklift industry,were the first to develop forklifts. Ever since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has undergone various technological advances, mostly leading to the safe and efficient movement of product and improvements in operator safety.