Within the distribution of goods business, forklifts play a very important part. They could efficiently transport product through the distribution process. Nevertheless, they should be used carefully. Incorrect operation of forklifts could result in injury to workers, damage to products, and serious accidents which could lead to death.
Safety
Forklifts are fairly safe so long as they are utilized properly. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents each year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that nearly all of these accidents are avoidable with attention to safety and correct training.
Kinds of Equipment
Depending on the specific type of forklift that would be used on the job, the forklift operator must be trained. A popular kind used within distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts commonly used in industry consist of operator up units, rough terrain units and narrow aisle trucks.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification which covers both classroom study and practical evaluations is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. The three-year certification is not transferable; if switching 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 over 9,000 kilograms are available in several units. A forklift's load capacity depends on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Forklifts were first developed by Yale and by Clark, top companies in the worldwide forklift business. Since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through lots of technological changes, mostly leading to the safe and efficient movement of product and improvements in operator safety.