Warehouses, factories, and stores all have extremely heavy pallets of products that require a forklift operator to move it. A forklift is a vehicle that allows the experienced driver to move heavy items from one destination to another. For instance, forklift operators may load pallets of goods into a semi-truck for distribution to various retail stores. Most forklift operators work indoors, but some work outside and others work a combination of indoors and outdoors. Obtaining your forklift licence is a great way to break into this field.
Those interested in this profession must possess at least a high school diploma or a GED. Some companies offer on-the-job-training while others require highly skilled drivers by having a forklift operator certification. Others companies hire drivers that have verifiable work experience. Forklift operator’s focus on safety at all times even though most of them are very busy moving loads throughout the warehouse. Organizational skills are also needed for this position since forklift operators may have to rearrange objects, such as foodstuffs.
Forklift operators must meet the requirement set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which typically involves a training course in safety along with a short test. Once passed, the operator is OSHA Certified, which larger companies and warehouses require their forklift operators to possess. Many companies offer on-the-job-training and cover safety and instill the necessary skills to pass the OSHA certification.
Many forklift operators spend their time loading and unloading pallets from semi-trucks. Organizational skills are needed since pallets may require specific placement, and confusing the pallets causes extra work for everyone involved in the process.
There are several sizes of forklifts ranging from small to extremely large industrial models. The model you use depends upon the materials you have to move. A larger forklift is necessary for extremely heavy items, while a smaller forklift works well for lighter or smaller loads.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a two-percent decrease in forklift operator positions from 2006 through 2016, but jobs continue to be plentiful due to turnover and new companies opening. Salaries for forklift operators vary considerably, but the average annual salary in the United States is $27,000. The more experience a forklift operator gains, the more income he or she earns.
Those interested in the profession but have no experience can take courses online to have a basic understanding of the profession and how the forklifts work. Obviously, taking a course online lacks hands-on training with a real forklift, which may make the actual physical course a better choice for those looking to gain education and then experience.
The role of the forklift operator is key to many businesses since the United States moves several thousand tons of goods annually. Companies depend on skilled forklift operators to load, unload, organize, and move large amounts of products on a daily basis. These pallets of goods are going retails where the consumer can purchase them, so efficiency, safety, and skills are essential in the forklift industry.