Job Role - Forklift

The Forklift Operator job role is crucial in many industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. A Forklift Operator is a skilled worker who operates a forklift to move, load, and unload materials within a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or other similar environments. They may also be called a forklift driver, materials handler, lift truck operator or work as a warehouse or Factory Operative with a forklift ticket.

Forklift Operators are responsible for operating a forklift to move materials around a warehouse or manufacturing facility, loading and unloading trucks, and performing other tasks as required. They must be able to safely and efficiently operate the forklift, follow safety procedures, and maintain the equipment.

This page will give you an overview of what a Forklift Operator is and what they do, and hopefully answer any questions you may have on your search for a forklift operator job and career.

What is a Forklift Operator?

Forklift Operators are skilled workers who operate a forklift to move, load, and unload materials within a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or other similar environments. They are responsible for operating the forklift safely and efficiently, following safety procedures, and maintaining the equipment. They may also be responsible for performing inventory control, packaging, and other warehouse tasks as required. They typically work on a warehouse or manufacturing floor, and might work independently or as part of a team.

If you think of yourself as a practical, manual worker with a good sense of coordination, who enjoys working with machinery and has a strong work ethic, this might be the role for you. Forklift Operators need to be physically fit, able to read and interpret plans and instructions as well as basic computer skills to use any technology within the role meant to make the role easier.

Who does a Forklift Operator work with?

Forklift Operators often work alongside other warehouse, manufacturing or factory workers, such as warehouse supervisors, logistics personnel, and other equipment operators. They may also work with other departments, such as shipping and receiving, to coordinate the movement of materials such as HGV Drivers.

What does a Forklift Operator do?

A Forklift Operator's main responsibility is to operate a forklift to move, load, and unload materials. They are responsible for operating the forklift safely and efficiently, following safety procedures, and maintaining the equipment. As a forklift driver, they will be responsible for the transportation of goods and pallets around a warehouse or construction site. They work with a variety of other staff and use techniques such as loading, unloading, and stacking to move materials around a warehousing, manufacturing or construction site.

This varies between specific roles and industries but in most cases, the Forklift Operator's tasks will include operating a forklift to move materials around a facility, loading and unloading trucks, ensuring loads are secure and reporting on any damage to cargo, performing inventory control, packaging and ensuring point of sale if present is kept in good condition, and other warehouse tasks as required. They must be able to safely and efficiently operate the forklift, follow safety procedures, and may be responsible of the basic maintenance of the forklift.

So, What does a Forklift Operator do daily?

A Forklift Operator's main role may include:

• Operating a forklift to move, load, and unload materials
• Performing inventory control and packaging
• Loading and unloading trucks and other vehicles
• General tasks when not operating the machine and following safety procedures

In a Forklift job description, it will discuss the role and any further requirements to get the job, see below.

Forklift Job Description

An example of a job description for a Forklift.

Job Role:

• Operating a forklift to move, load, and unload materials
• Performing inventory control and packaging
• Loading and unloading trucks
• Maintaining equipment and follow safety procedures
• Various other duties when not operating the forklift
• Communicate with other key warehouse or factory operatives regarding required moving materials

Requirements:

• Experience operating a forklift
• Valid forklift operator ticket
• Physical stamina and ability to work in a warehouse or manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret plans and instructions
• Ability to follow safety procedures and have good spatial awareness whilst operating the machine
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Avg Salary:

£23,789

Low: £20,768

High: £31,500

In summary, a Forklift Operator is a skilled worker who operates a forklift to move, load, and unload materials within a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or other similar environments. They are responsible for operating the forklift safely and efficiently, following safety procedures, and maintaining the equipment.

To pursue a career or role as a Forklift Operator, it is recommended to have experience operating a forklift, a valid forklift operator ticket, physical stamina and ability to work in a warehouse or manufacturing environment, ability to read and interpret plans and instructions, ability to follow safety procedures, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.