Duties of a Forklift Driver
The most common area for forklift drivers to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their responsibilities would comprise the lifting and transporting of materials and goods from one area to another. They have to be taught to safely operate the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.

Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift drivers perform a daily pre-shift forklift check. Forklift operator training should include the proper performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on a yearly basis.

Unloading and Loading
Lift truck drivers perform tasks related to unloading and loading supplies in a timely and safe manner. This responsibility also includes the stacking of materials in an organized way so they are accessible.

Weighing Materials
The duties of a lift truck operator can include weighing the supplies which are being moved and recording the weights.

Quality Control
The operator of the forklift will be in charge of quality control. They have to make sure orders are accurate and that products do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse.

Safety Awareness
Lift truck operators must have good skills in both attention and awareness. Drivers need to be very concerned with the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The operator must find the safest way to handle difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The driver will have to determine the route which is the safest. A driver's training will involve learning about the forces which may cause a forklift to tip over. The operator should be very familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit which they are using. A lift truck driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent fatigue. Forklift accidents are more likely to occur when a driver is tired.