Within the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very important role. They could efficiently transport product through the distribution process. However, they must be used carefully. Incorrect use of forklifts could result in damage to products, injury to workers, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
Forklifts are rather safe so long as they are used properly. Tens of thousands of people 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 correct training and attention to safety.
Types of Machinery
Forklift operators must be trained on the particular kind of forklift they will be utilizing on the job. A popular kind utilized within warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts normally utilized in industry include narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain 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 must become recertified.
Load Capacities
Conventional 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 several units. The load capacity of a forklift depends on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Forklifts were initially developed by Yale and by Clark, top companies in the worldwide forklift business. Ever since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through lots of technological changes, particularly leading to improvements in operator safety and the safe and efficient movement of product.