FORKLIFT OPERATORS California Occupational Guide Number 190 Interest Area 6 1997
THE JOB
FORKLIFT OPERATORS, are also called industrial truck operators and work in industries where lots of heavy objects are handled. They drive industrial trucks, often called forklifts, which have forks and hydraulic lifting machinery. They may work both indoors and outdoors, moving materials in factories, warehouses, supply yards, wholesale businesses, and loading areas. The work includes loading and unloading freight cars, trucks, aircraft, and ships. Operators may keep records of material moved and do some hand loading and unloading.
Most material moved or stacked is on pallets or small platforms, but some material is placed directly on the forks of the truck. Attachments other than the usual prongs or forks include special tools for handling barrels, drums, cartons, logs, rolls of paper and wire, bales of cotton, rolls of carpet, bricks and concrete blocks. Cranes, shovels and snowplows can also be attached to some of these vehicles. Forklifts come in different sizes and are very maneuverable. They are powered by gasoline, natural gas, or batteries. Forklifts that are used mainly indoors are usually powered by batteries or natural gas to keep pollution low.
Operators may refuel or recharge the vehicle, check the oil and battery, lube it and make minor repairs and adjustments. Operators may also work as stock clerks, shipping clerks, receiving clerks, or warehouse workers when not driving a forklift. Supervision is light and usually amounts to general instructions as to where materials are to be moved.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Forklift Operators should be in good condition. They must be able to judge the height of ceilings and doorways, maneuver between stacks of material and pass through narrow doorways safely. Operators may work on jobs that involve all kinds of weather. Noise, heavy warehouse traffic and moving equipment are things to deal with.
Many Forklift Operators (including cannery workers) belong to the Teamsters, Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union; The American Federation of Governmental Employees (AFL-CIO); or the Cabinetmakers, Millmen and Industrial Carpenters Union.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Forklift Operators are a part of the bigger occupational group of Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators.
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in California will reach 45,940 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 11,400 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 10,380 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 11,400 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 21,780 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Forklift Operators are the biggest occupation in this group. The increase of computer systems, automated material handling in factories, and the lack of job growth in manufacturing are expected to keep growth low for this job. Also, the biggest number of Forklift Operators are found in manufacturing where not much job growth is expected. Both construction and manufacturing are affected by the economy, and the number of jobs for Forklift Operators can go back and forth each year. In spite of all that, some openings will keep on happening as experienced workers change jobs or else leave the work force. Employment for Forklift Operators is best during the late spring and summer months. Opportunities during this period depend, in large part, on the level of activity in lumber, agricultural production and food processing.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Although there are no formal educational requirements for Forklift Operators, most employers prefer applicants with a high school education or GED. Applicants must be able to read labels and instructions and write legibly. Height and weight are not important, but operators must be mobile enough to turn in the driver's seat and drive backwards with no problem. They must be able to lift materials of medium weight and size. Some operators who work on military bases may be required to get military driver's licenses. Some employers require applicants to pass a physical exam.
The usual way to learn the job is by working where forklift trucks are used and taking every chance to watch and learn. Inexperienced operators are often given on-the-job training during the first month or until they can handle simple forklift operations. Skill comes from experience on the job. Trainees usually are allowed about ninety days to reach an adequate skill level. Some employers have formal training programs and give certificates to employees who complete it. These programs are made to teach employees how to operate forklifts, handle materials and make simple repairs. They also cover plant layout and operation and safe driving rules.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Beginning wages for Forklift Operators range from minimum wage to $23.00 per hour. Experienced workers can earn the minimum to $25.00 per hour. Union pay starts at about $5.50 to $22.80 per hour. Journey-level wages for operators go from $5.50 to $28.00 per hour.
Fringe benefits usually are paid vacation, sick leave and medical and dental insurance. Many employers pay vision and life insurance.
Forklift Operators normally work 40 hours per week. Some overtime may be necessary during busy times, and some companies put on two or more shifts, seven days a week.
ADVANCEMENT
There are very few chances for promotion. Some operators become supervisors. Most promotions are in-grade.
FINDING THE JOB
Forklift Operators usually get jobs by applying to employers, but most employers, both union and nonunion, consider the job of Forklift Operator promotional and fill openings from within. Unions in the construction and warehousing industries, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the California Employment Development Department Job Service and some private employment agencies have job information.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Shipping and Receiving Clerks No. 63 Stock Clerks No. 74
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev . 1) Industrial Truck Operator 921.683-050
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 979470
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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