Forklift Driver cum Crane Operator

Job Description – Forklift Driver cum Crane Operator

Reports to:          Production Manager

1. JOB PURPOSE

To safely and efficiently operate forklifts and cranes for the lifting, loading, unloading, shifting and positioning of raw materials, fabricated components, equipment and finished products within the workshop and yard, while supporting smooth and timely production activities. The position is responsible for ensuring safe material movement between various production work centres, including Fit-up, Header Fabrication, Welding, Bevelling, Assembly, Inspection, Packing and Delivery areas.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Forklift Operations

• Operate the forklift safely for material movement within the workshop and yard.
• Load, unload, transfer and position raw materials, fabricated items, equipment and consumables.
• Move materials to and from CNC Plasma Cutting, Bevelling Machines and other work centres.
• Support Fit-up, Header Fabrication, Welding, Bevelling, Assembly, Packing and Delivery activities.
• Ensure materials are positioned correctly and safely at the required work location.
• Assist production teams with timely material handling to minimize production delays.
• Ensure forklift load capacity is not exceeded and loads are properly balanced and secured.
• Conduct pre-use inspection of the forklift and report defects or abnormalities immediately.
• Carry out routine checks and basic housekeeping of the forklift.
• Record forklift usage, defects and maintenance requirements where required.

Crane Operations

• Operate the crane safely for lifting, shifting, loading, unloading and positioning of materials and fabricated components.
• Handle plates, pipes, headers, vessels, structural items and other heavy or fabricated components.
• Support material movement between Fit-up, Welding, Inspection, Repair, Packing and Delivery areas.
• Position materials accurately at the required work centre according to production requirements.
• Assist production teams with timely movement of heavy materials to minimize waiting time and production delays.
• Conduct pre-use checks on the crane, pendant/remote control, hooks, wire ropes, chains, slings and other lifting accessories.
• Confirm load weight, lifting points and load stability before lifting.
• Ensure all lifting accessories are suitable for the load and within their Safe Working Load (SWL).
• Follow approved lifting plans and safe lifting procedures for heavy or critical lifts.
• Maintain safe clearance from personnel, equipment, structures and other obstacles.
• Stop lifting operations immediately where unsafe conditions are identified.
• Report crane defects, abnormal noise, malfunction or damaged lifting accessories to the Supervisor and Maintenance Department.
• Keep the crane operating area and lifting accessories clean, organized and properly maintained.
• Record crane defects, inspections or usage information as required.

General Material Handling & Production Support

• Coordinate closely with riggers, banksmen, fitters, welders, QC Inspectors and Supervisors during material movement.
• Use appropriate communication methods, including standard hand signals or approved radio communication.
• Support loading and unloading activities for project materials and finished products.
• Prioritize material movements according to production requirements.
• Support urgent material movement and priority production jobs when required.
• Protect materials and fabricated components from damage during transportation, lifting and positioning.
• Perform other material-handling duties assigned by the Production Supervisor / Production Manager.

  3. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Always wear the required PPE while operating equipment or performing material-handling activities.
• Conduct pre-use inspections before operating the forklift or crane.
• Operate all equipment only within the approved capacity, speed limits and designated operating areas.
• Never exceed the rated capacity of the forklift or crane.
• Ensure loads are properly balanced, secured and stable before movement.
• Use only suitable and certified lifting accessories.
• Check slings, shackles, hooks, chains and other lifting equipment for damage before use.
• Use a qualified/authorized banksman or signalman where required.
• Ensure adequate visibility before moving or lifting loads.
• Use a spotter/banksman where visibility or working conditions require it.
• Maintain a safe distance from employees, structures, equipment and other vehicles.
• Do not carry passengers on the forklift.
• Never lift or move loads over personnel.
• Do not operate equipment when visibility or communication is inadequate.
• Avoid sudden starting, stopping, swinging or unsafe movement of loads.
• Keep forks at a safe travelling height when operating the forklift.
• Follow approved traffic routes, lifting procedures and workshop safety requirements.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses and equipment defects to the Supervisor.
• Comply with all company HSE requirements, PPE requirements and operational procedures.

4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

• Valid Forklift Operator licence/competency certification as required by Malaysian regulations and company requirements.
• Valid Crane Operator competency/authorization as required by company and applicable Malaysian regulatory requirements.
• Previous experience operating forklifts and cranes in a fabrication workshop, manufacturing plant, engineering facility, construction yard or heavy industrial environment is preferred.
• Experience handling long, heavy or irregular-shaped fabrication materials is an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of load capacity, SWL, load stability and safe material-handling practices.
• Basic understanding of lifting and rigging practices.
• Physically fit to perform material-handling and lifting duties.
• Able to understand and follow instructions from Supervisors.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

5. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Safe and competent operation of forklifts and cranes.
• Good understanding of lifting and material-handling practices.
• Good coordination with riggers, banksmen, fitters, welders, QC Inspectors and Supervisors.
• Good judgment regarding load stability, equipment capacity and safe movement.
• Ability to work safely in a busy fabrication and workshop environment.
• Good communication and teamwork.
• Responsible, disciplined and safety-conscious.
• Able to work independently while following production priorities.
• Able to respond appropriately to urgent material-handling requirements.
• Willing to work shifts and overtime when required.

6. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS / KPI

• Zero avoidable forklift/crane-related incidents.
• Timely movement of materials to support production requirements.
• Minimize production waiting time caused by material-handling delays.
• 100% compliance with pre-use equipment inspections.
• Immediate reporting of equipment defects and unsafe conditions.
• Proper handling and protection of materials during transportation and lifting.
• Maintain forklift and crane availability through timely reporting of defects and maintenance requirements.
• Compliance with company HSE, lifting and operational procedures.
• Support smooth and efficient material flow between production work centres.
• Maintain good housekeeping and safe working conditions within the operating