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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 9333

Materials handler

A materials handler is a person who handles and stores materials, loading, unloading and moving goods within a warehouse or a storage facility.

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Rate 5 of the 21 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate warehouse record systems

operate warehouse materials

sort waste

maintain physical condition of warehouse

stack goods

About materials handler

The handler works to material control orders, which say what is to be moved, from where and to where, and supplies the documentation on how each item was handled, so that a consignment can be accounted for afterwards. Pallets are loaded, goods are moved, and records are kept up to date as the work happens rather than filled in at the end of a shift.

The handler manages warehouse stock, maintains the inventory management systems and operates the goods registration systems, so that the stock recorded in the system matches what is on the shelves.

The handler sorts waste and ensures its safe disposal, separating packaging, damaged goods and hazardous items. The handler uses different communication channels to stay in contact with the office, the drivers and other warehouse staff. Health and safety procedures apply throughout, and inspections of incoming materials are carried out before anything is put away. Detailed requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

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

Essential (21)

products coding systemproducts coding systemPackaging codes and markings required to implement proper handling procedures for goods.operate warehouse record systemsoperate warehouse record systemsOperate systems for recording product, packaging, and order information in specific formats and types of record.operate warehouse materialsoperate warehouse materialsBe able to operate pallet jack and similar motorised warehouse equipment, for loading and storage purposes.sort wastesort wasteManually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.maintain physical condition of warehousemaintain physical condition of warehouseDevelop and Implement new warehouse layouts in order to maintain facilities in good working order; issue work orders for repair and replacement operations.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.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.dispose of non-hazardous wastedispose of non-hazardous wasteDispose of waste materials which pose no risk to health and safety in a manner which complies with recycling and waste management procedures except for waste incineration.dispatch order processingdispatch order processingPack and deliver the packed goods to a shipping carrier.inspect construction suppliesinspect construction suppliesCheck construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.manage warehouse inventorymanage warehouse inventoryManage warehouse inventory and control storage and movement of warehouse goods. Monitor transactions such as shipping, receiving and putaway.load heavy items on palletsload heavy items on palletsUse lifting equipment and machines to stack weighty products such as stone slabs or bricks on portable platforms so that they can be stored and moved.follow health and safety procedures in constructionfollow health and safety procedures in constructionApply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.use warehouse marking toolsuse warehouse marking toolsLabel containers and container tags or products; use warehouse marking and labelling tools.process incoming construction suppliesprocess incoming construction suppliesReceive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.secure goodssecure goodsFasten bands around stacks or articles prior to shipment or storage.follow stock control instructionsfollow stock control instructionsStack items according to the stock control instructions received.implement efficiency plans for logistics operationsimplement efficiency plans for logistics operationsImplement efficiency plans developed by managers in facilities. Use techniques, resources, and training in order to improve workplace efficiency.maintain stock control systemsmaintain stock control systemsKeep stock control systems up to date and ensure inventory accuracy.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.pallets loadingpallets loadingAbility to load and unload pallets on vehicles in a safe way.
Optional (15) — show
hazardous materials transportationhazardous materials transportationRegulations and safety procedures which are involved in the transportation of hazardous materials and products, such as hazardous waste, chemicals, explosives, and flammable materials.road transport legislationroad transport legislationThe regulations at regional, national, and European level on safety and environmental requirements for road transport operations.freight transport methodsfreight transport methodsThe different modalities of freight transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport, including the details and procedures specific to them.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.check compatibility of materialscheck compatibility of materialsMake sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.dispose of hazardous wastedispose of hazardous wasteDispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.transport construction suppliestransport construction suppliesBring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.calculate needs for construction suppliescalculate needs for construction suppliesTake measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.handle fragile itemshandle fragile itemsUse different specialised handling for products that are delicate and tend to be broken or damaged easily.operate GPS systemsoperate GPS systemsUse GPS Systems.assemble goodsassemble goodsAssemble goods coming from in manufacturing processes or in removing activities.order construction suppliesorder construction suppliesOrder required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.clean warehouseclean warehouseMaintain the work area of the warehouse in an organised and clean manner.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 worker16 shared essential skillswarehouse order picker8 shared essential skillsforklift operator4 shared essential skillsbricklayer3 shared essential skillsbricklaying supervisor3 shared essential skillsbridge construction supervisor3 shared essential skillscarpenter3 shared essential skillscarpenter supervisor3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a materials handler do?

Materials handlers execute the handling and storage of materials through activities such as loading, unloading and moving articles in a warehouse or storage room. They work according to orders to inspect materials and provide documentation for the handling of items. Materials handlers also manage inventory and ensure the safe disposal of waste.

What skills does a materials handler need?

A materials handler needs 21 essential skills, including products coding system, operate warehouse record systems, operate warehouse materials, sort waste, maintain physical condition of warehouse.

Will AI replace materials handler jobs?

The AI disruption score for materials handler is 58/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: operate warehouse record systems, follow written instructions, maintain stock control systems. Most resilient: handle fragile items, stack goods, dispose of non-hazardous waste.

AI Replacement Risk

58/ 100
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This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.

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Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupLabourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport
Essential Skills21

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