Within the distribution of goods business, forklifts play a really vital part. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. Then again, they should be used carefully. Improper use of forklifts can cause injury to employees, damage to products, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
If you use a forklift properly, it is fairly safe. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on a yearly basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that most of these accidents are avoidable with attention to safety and proper training.
Kinds of Equipment
Depending on the particular kind of forklift which would be used on the job, the forklift operator must be trained. A common type utilized within warehouse and distribution centers is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts usually utilized within industry comprise narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain units.
Operator Requirements
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for forklift operators include 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
1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms is the load capacity of a typical forklift. Higher load capacities up to and beyond 9,000 kilograms are available in several units. A forklift's load capacity depends on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Clark and Yale, the leading companies within the global forklift industry,were the first to develop forklifts. Ever since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through various technological advances, particularly leading to improvements in operator safety and the safe and efficient movement of product.