Fork lifts are motorized trucks with lifting forks that are used to load, unload, and organize materials that are stacked on pallets or designed to be lifted with forks. For industrial warehouses and large-scale shipping and receiving operations, fork lifts are essential equipment. A fork lift operator is a specialized worker who is trained to drive and use the lifting capabilities of one or more types of fork lifts. Due to the potentially dangerous nature of the work and the high value of merchandise handled by lifts, many countries and regions require fork lift operator training and, in some cases, a fork lift operator license.
Whether in manufacturing, shipping and receiving, or distribution, a fork lift operator is typically employed in the shipping and receiving of large quantities of merchandise in and out of one facility. Unloading materials from trucks, ships, and other large containers used in shipping and distribution is frequently done with fork lifts. Lift operators are also in charge of storing materials and loading large containers for transport to other locations. Depending on the type of industry, the size of the materials transported and the lifts used vary greatly.
Working as a fork lift operator necessitates the ability to lift, balance, and stack heavy loads that are typically arranged on a wood pallet or a pallet made of other materials. Larger items may be attached to a pallet or have indents built into them for forklifting. The goal of warehouse organization and shipping and receiving operations is to arrange materials in as little space as possible. As a result, a fork lift operator must be able to maneuver large, heavy pallets into tight spaces, such as large shelving fixtures.
Fork lifts come in a variety of sizes and types to serve a variety of industries, and they vary greatly in size and operation. Because of the many different types of fork lifts available, fork lift operation may necessitate certification and licensing. In fact, depending on the variety of merchandise and machines involved in the workplace, one fork lift operator position may require certification for several different machines. Certification requirements are not uniform throughout the world, and while some regions may have stringent requirements, others may not.