How to Coach the Forklift Operator
The forklift is incredibly useful for day-to-day construction and general labor tasks. However, it's difficult to operate because the driver often cannot see well directly in front of the forklift. Thus, every forklift operator needs an assistant or "coach" to assist him. Since construction sites are often noisy, forklift operators and their "coaches" use a form of sign language to help communicate.
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Instructions
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Extend both of your hands with your elbows facing down. Motion with your two hands to tell the operator to proceed forward or move towards you. The operator should easily see both hands and drive the forklift in your general direction.
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Point to the forklift. This tells the operator to pull back or drive in reverse. Some coaches will use the entire hand and push it away from their body (or to the forklift) ordering the driver to go in reverse. The second motion is more broad and easier to see, however, both of these motions mean the same thing - to drive in reverse.
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Point in one direction to direct the operator to turn that way. If you want the forklift to turn left, point right with your right hand. If you want the forklift to turn right, point left with your left hand. Keep in mind that you are facing the opposite way, so you always point with your opposite hand of the direction you want the forklift to turn.
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Give the operator the thumbs up sign if you would like him to move the fork up, and the thumbs down sign if you would like him to move the fork down. The fork moves independently from the forklift itself. Generally, pointing down means the operator needs to lower the fork while pointing up means he needs to lift the fork higher.
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Tips & Warnings
Always stand slightly to the side when directing the forklift operator. He or she will see you easier.
Always use precaution when working around heavy construction equipment. Never stand directly to the side of the forks when lifting something heavy, as it could fall over and land on you.
