Within the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very important role. They could efficiently transport product through the distribution process. Nevertheless, they must be used carefully. Improper use of forklifts could cause damage to products, injury to workers, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
If you utilize a forklift correctly, it is quite safe. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on an annual basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that most of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and correct training.
Types of Equipment
Forklift operators should be trained on the particular type 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 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 consist of certification involving both practical evaluations as well as classroom study. The three-year certification is not transferable; if changing employers, operators must become recertified.
Load Capacities
1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms is the load capacity of a standard forklift. Higher load capacities up to and beyond 9,000 kilograms are available in some 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. Since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through various technological changes, mostly leading to improvements in operator safety and the safe and efficient movement of product.