Forklifts play an important role in the distribution of goods. They could efficiently move product through the distribution process. Nevertheless, they must be used safely. Incorrect use of forklifts could cause injury to employees, damage to products, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
Forklifts are quite safe so long as they are operated correctly. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents every year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents involving forklifts. The tragedy is that nearly all of these accidents are preventable with correct training and attention to safety.
Kinds of Equipment
Depending on the particular type of forklift that will be used on the job, the forklift operator must be trained. A common kind utilized inside distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts usually used in industry consist of rough terrain units, narrow aisle trucks and operator up units.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification that includes 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 changing employers, operators must become recertified.
Load Capacities
Typical forklifts have a load capacity of 1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. A forklift's load capacity will depend on the unit and its attachments and options.
History
Forklifts were initially developed by Yale and by Clark, top companies in the international forklift business. Ever since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through many technological changes, mostly leading to improvements in operator safety and the efficient and safe movement of product.