Forklifts are responsible for lifting heavy weights, and since they often do their work in confined spaces the risk of accidents is high. This is why extra care and training, with regard to their safety features and control elements, must be imparted to their operators.
There are certain rigid criteria for forklift jobs in Dallas—and for good reason too! Forklifts are very dangerous machines and improper use can increase the risk of crippling injuries. However, a properly trained, qualified, and experienced forklift driver can increase the overall efficiency in the warehouse.
You should meet the following qualifications and criteria before applying for forklift jobs in Dallas:
OSHA Compliance Training
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency responsible for all workplace safety. There are various forklift training schools that are fully OSHA compliant. If you want to make a career as a forklift driver, you should enroll in such a school to get your OSHA compliant certification.
Educational Qualifications
If you want to become a duly certified operator, then you must be at least a high school graduate. Alternately, you should have passed a General Education Development (GED) test. This qualification is necessary since the forklift operator’s job does not just involve handling and moving of heavy materials alone. On the contrary, there are certain highly technical aspects of this job that require both literacy as well as numerical skills.
Minimum Age Requirements
18 years is the absolute minimum age requirement for a licensed forklift operator. The law expressly prohibits all non-agricultural businesses from employing underage forklift drivers.
Proficiency in the English Language
Proficiency in the English language is of paramount importance for companies that hire people who don’t speak English as their first language. This is a very practical qualification. In fact, efficient communication between the operator and his supervisor and co-workers is vital for a smooth workflow. Miscommunication on the job can be a very big deal that can make or break production quota and can even cause accidents.
Physical Fitness
Driving a forklift for long hours can be exhausting work. This is why physical fitness is part of the eligibility criteria for most forklift driver jobs.
No Alcohol and/or Substance Abuse
Due to the inherent sensitivity of forklift operations as well as the danger of mishaps. Many companies take alcohol and substance abuse very seriously. In fact, they also make drug tests a part of their selection criteria.
Conclusion
If you are able to attain these qualifications, you will have a bright future. This is because forklift jobs in Dallas offer regular working hours and good pay. Since most employers prefer to hire only those operators who can meet these criteria, it is a good idea to work on these qualifications before you apply for a job.