Three reasons why a job as forklift operator could be your dream job

In the spotlight:

• With 40 years and counting, Peter Winkens is the most experienced forklift operator. He works at Unilin Insulation in Oisterwijk (The Netherlands)

• Marion De Monteynard works at Unilin Insulation in Sury-le-Comtal (France)

• Jonas Decroix has 5 years under his belt as forklift operator at Unilin Insulation in Desselgem (Belgium)

Passion for wheels

Jonas and Marion share a passion for anything on wheels. It was their biggest motivation to apply for a job as forklift operator. Jonas: “I applied internally for this job after six months here as a machine operator because I was very enthusiastic about the position. I like to operate vehicles and I enjoy working independently.” Marion took the wheel at a very young age. “I grew up on a farm and I was driving tractors by the age of twelve (laughs).”

No two days are the same

If you think the job of a forklift operator is repetitive, you couldn’t be more wrong. The variety in assignments and social contacts is what makes the job so interesting and challenging. Jonas: “No two days are the same. It’s also a very social job: I have lots of contact with my colleagues and the drivers. I’ve been here for five years now and in that time the cargo has changed as well. It used to be mainly stock packages but now there’s much more variation in terms of composition and shape. And that’s what makes it interesting because I have to figure out the best method of loading the cargo onto the trucks.”

For Peter, solving the truck loading puzzle is also the most fun aspect of the job. “Loading a truck is not something you do on the fly. It’s always a bit of a puzzle to find the most efficient way to do it.”

Ask Marion about the best part of her job and the immediate and enthusiastic reply is: “The contact with the drivers! It’s amazing to come into contact with different people every day. The team atmosphere with the eight other drivers and our supervisors is also excellent.”

Safety always comes first!

Jonas, Peter and Marion realise that safe work methods are a huge responsibility. They know how fast things can go wrong. Peter: “I am very glad that forklift trucks have priority over pedestrians these days because when they walk around, our colleagues are not aware of what we drivers can and cannot see. I find it terribly important to be clearly visible so I always turn on the lights.”

Jonas couldn’t agree more: “I take special care to maintain proper distance and communicate efficiently with the truck drivers. Safety is embedded into our business culture. Everyone makes an active contribution. I’ve learned a lot here about safety but it’s also in my nature to always analyse risks of my own accord.”

Marion also feels that clear communication is the main thing. She likes to let her horn do the talking. “I always use my horn: at intersections when entering or exiting a building, to warn truck drivers and colleagues of my presence... It’s better to honk once too often than not enough because people aren’t always paying attention.”

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