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Transport & StorageISCO 8344

Forklift operator

A forklift operator is a person who uses a forklift truck to move, lift, position and count goods in a warehouse or yard.

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Rate 5 of the 32 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate radio equipment

follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health

operate warehouse materials

ensure compliance with environmental legislation

apply company policies

About forklift operator

The job runs from taking an order to setting the goods down in the right place, and it includes checking that orders completed by other people match the paperwork. Forklift operators apply techniques for stacking goods in containers and on pallets so that a load cannot shift, and they match the stacking method to the type of packaging used in industrial shipping, such as a carton, a crate or a drum. Before a shift they perform condition checks on the truck: forks, mast and lifting gear, brakes and tyres.

The role also covers moving stock between warehouse zones, lifting heavy items by hand where a truck cannot reach, and operating radio equipment to take instructions and confirm movements. Company policy on traffic routes, speed limits and pedestrian areas governs how the truck is driven.

Formal requirements, such as a certificate of competence for operating a forklift, are set by national rules and by the employer. Someone starting out works in the warehouse on foot first, learning the layout and the documents before driving.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (32)

types of packaging used in industrial shipmentstypes of packaging used in industrial shipmentsThe various types of packaging materials used for industrial shipments, according to the type of goods to be shipped.operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in ...follow procedures to control substances hazardous to healthfollow procedures to control substances hazardous to healthAdhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures for activities that involve hazardous substances, such as bacteria, allergens, waste oil, paint or brake fluids that result i...operate warehouse materialsoperate warehouse materialsBe able to operate pallet jack and similar motorised warehouse equipment, for loading and storage purposes.ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....apply company policiesapply company policiesApply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.operate forkliftoperate forkliftOperate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.match goods with appropriate packaging according to security proceduresmatch goods with appropriate packaging according to security proceduresRelate goods to be packed with the required security equipment following appropriate security procedures.monitor goods movementmonitor goods movementEnsure that all shipments are accurate and free of damage.apply techniques for stacking goods into containersapply techniques for stacking goods into containersApply techniques required to stack materials into containers. Use techniques to maximise the space in containers.conduct forklift inspectionsconduct forklift inspectionsConduct regular check-ups of the machine before using it to permit safe working conditions.stack goodsstack goodsStack goods and manufactured products into containers. This may include anticipating the need for and utilising additional protective materials in stacking the products.weigh materialsweigh materialsWeigh materials and products, record weight and other relevant data on tags or labels.transport dangerous goodstransport dangerous goodsClassify, pack, mark, label and document dangerous goods, such as explosive materials, gases and flammable liquids. Adhere to international and national regulations.stay alertstay alertStay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.stack empty palletsstack empty palletsDeposit empty pallets in the designed location.follow signalling instructionsfollow signalling instructionsFollow signalling instructions throughout the journey. Comprehend the technical language used by signallers and adhere to instructions given by them.estimate distancesestimate distancesAbility to correctly estimate distances in order to operate the machine without accidents.follow work proceduresfollow work proceduresAdhere to procedures at work in a structured and systematic manner.lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.meet picking standardsmeet picking standardsPerform picking activities in a way that meets quality standards.follow stock control instructionsfollow stock control instructionsStack items according to the stock control instructions received.carry out stock rotationcarry out stock rotationExecute repositioning of packaged and perishable products with an earlier sell-by date to the front of a shelf.maintain warehouse databasemaintain warehouse databaseKeep digital warehouse database up-to-date and multi-accessible.execute working instructionsexecute working instructionsUnderstand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.store warehouse goodsstore warehouse goodsTransport goods in the warehouse and place them in the designated locations with precision in order maximise use of space. Operate forklifts or other instruments to facilitate this activity.prepare shipments in timeprepare shipments in timePrepare product for shipment as scheduled.pick orders for dispatchingpick orders for dispatchingPick orders in warehouses destined for dispatching, ensuring that correct numbers and types of goods are loaded and dispatched. Tag and mark product items as requested.operate package processing equipmentoperate package processing equipmentOperate electric package processing equipment and control systems.transfer stocktransfer stockRemove material from one storage location to another.follow verbal instructionsfollow verbal instructionsHave the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.work in a logistics teamwork in a logistics teamAbility to work confidently within a logistics team, with each member of the team fulfilling a role designed to increase the efficiency of the whole.
Optional (8) — show
execute vehicle maintenanceexecute vehicle maintenanceExecute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, pe...act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.use a warehouse management systemuse a warehouse management systemUse software in order to store materials within a warehouse and perform operations such as shipping, receiving and picking.use telescopic handlersuse telescopic handlersOperate crane-like machinery to move loads to and from places unreachable by conventional forklifts.monitor vehicle repairsmonitor vehicle repairsSchedule and oversee activities of care and repair for vehicles.use barcode scanning equipmentuse barcode scanning equipmentTrack the inventory by operating barcode scanning devices.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

warehouse worker11 shared essential skillswarehouse order picker6 shared essential skillsstevedore5 shared essential skillsairport baggage handler4 shared essential skillsmaterials handler4 shared essential skillslevel crossing signalperson3 shared essential skillspackaging and filling machine operator3 shared essential skillsrail intermodal equipment operator3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a forklift operator do?

Forklift operators are responsible for operating forklifts to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise. They are accountable for the safe and efficient operation of forklifts. Moreover, they perform the filling of orders and check the accuracy of other orders.

What skills does a forklift operator need?

A forklift operator needs 32 essential skills, including types of packaging used in industrial shipments, operate radio equipment, follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health, operate warehouse materials, ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

Will AI replace forklift operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for forklift operator is 60/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: maintain warehouse database, pick orders for dispatching, follow stock control instructions. Most resilient: lift heavy weights, act reliably, use telescopic handlers.

AI Replacement Risk

60/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorTransport & Storage
ISCO GroupDrivers and mobile plant operators
Essential Skills32

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