Fork-Lift Operator - Working conditions
Kaitaraiwa Waka Uta
Working Conditions
Fork-lift operators work in warehouses, factories, cool-stores, timber yards and shipping terminals.
Fork-lift operators work in all weather conditions and may have to move dangerous and heavy goods.
Equipment
Equipment fork-lift operators may use includes:
- a variety of fork-lifts including walk-behind and ride-on fork-lifts
- special attachments such as safety cages for lifting people
- reach trucks
- radios for communication
- safety equipment such as steel-capped boots, gloves, earmuffs and overalls
- reflective clothing
- computerised recording devices for recording stock.
Mark Harris uses electronic equipment to keep track of stock
Deb Carson using a battery-operated, walk-behind fork-lift
Hours
Most fork-lift operators work regular hours or do shift work. Some operators are employed as regular relief workers and only work part time.
Many fork-lift operators combine fork-lift operating with storage, processing, managing or packing duties, and may only spend a few hours a day on a fork-lift.
Contact with people
Fork-lift operators work independently and in teams, and they have contact with a wide variety of people. They may be supervised by a manager.
Updated
September 2009
