In the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a really vital part. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. Nonetheless, they must be used carefully. Improper operation of forklifts can cause damage to products, injury to workers, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
If you utilize a forklift correctly, it is fairly safe. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents every year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that the majority of these accidents are preventable with correct training and attention to safety.
Kinds of Equipment
Forklift operators must be trained on the specific type of forklift they will be utilizing on the job. A common kind utilized within warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts commonly used 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
Standard 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. A forklift's load capacity depends on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Yale and Clark, the leading companies in the worldwide forklift industry,were the first to develop forklifts. Since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through many technological advances, particularly leading to improvements in operator safety and the efficient and safe movement of product.