In the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very vital part. They could efficiently transport product through the distribution process. However, they must be utilized safely. Incorrect use of forklifts could cause damage to products, injury to employees, and serious accidents that can lead to death.
Safety
If you operate a forklift correctly, it is fairly safe. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on a yearly basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents involving forklifts. The tragedy is that the majority of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and proper training.
Kinds of Machinery
Forklift operators must be trained on the particular type of forklift they would be using on the job. A common type used in warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts usually used within industry include rough terrain units, narrow aisle trucks and operator up units.
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 changing employers, operators should 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 beyond 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. The load capacity of a forklift will depend on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Clark and Yale, the top companies in the international forklift business,were the first to develop forklifts. Since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through numerous technological advances, mostly leading to improvements in operator safety and the safe and efficient movement of product.