Within the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very important part. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. Then again, they must be used carefully. Incorrect use of forklifts could cause damage to products, injury to employees, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
Forklifts are quite safe so long as they are utilized properly. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on a yearly basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents involving forklifts. The tragedy is that most of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and proper training.
Types of Machines
Depending on the particular type of forklift that will be used on the job, the forklift operator should be trained. A popular kind utilized inside distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts commonly used within industry include narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain units.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification that covers 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 attachments and options.
History
Yale and Clark, the leading companies within the global forklift industry,were the first to develop forklifts. Since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through numerous technological changes, mostly leading to the safe and efficient movement of product and improvements in operator safety.