Forklift/Reachtruck Operator

Job Title: Forklift/Reachtruck Operator
Location: Nairobi
Job Type: Term Contract


Profile Introduction
Our client, a leading company in the Oil and Gas sector is seeking to recruit a Forklift/Reachtruck Operator.

The role will be responsible for safely and efficiently operating the forklifts and reach trucks for the movement, loading, offloading, stacking, unstacking, and storage of palletized lubricants and other warehouse materials. The role is also responsible for ensuring safe material handling, equipment reliability, accurate warehouse operations, and compliance with company policies, occupational health and safety standards, and operational procedures.

The operator is also expected to maintain high housekeeping standards, identify and report unsafe conditions, and contribute to a safe and productive working environment.

Key Responsibilities
A. Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Report at least one near miss every month in accordance with the company’s safety reporting requirements.
  

• Use the Stop Card or designated safety intervention procedure to identify, challenge, and report unsafe acts and conditions.
  

• Conduct or participate in the required risk assessment before commencing any task and ensure that all identified hazards and control measures are addressed.
  

• Comply with all company policies, safety rules, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and directives issued by management.
  

• Operate forklifts and reach trucks in accordance with approved operating procedures and established safety standards.
  

• Exercise heightened caution when operating reach trucks at elevated heights, particularly when stacking and unstacking products in warehouse racking systems.
  

• Participate in monthly fire drills and other designated emergency preparedness activities.
  
• Promptly report accidents, near misses, equipment defects, unsafe conditions, and other incidents to the relevant supervisor.
  

B. Forklift and Reach Truck Operations

• Safely operate forklifts and reach trucks in busy warehouse and loading areas to facilitate the loading, offloading, movement, and storage of goods.
  

• Stack and unstack palletized lubricants safely and efficiently, ensuring product stability and preventing damage to goods, pallets, racking, and equipment.
  

• Transfer goods from designated storage areas to the loading bay to support sales dispatch and order fulfilment activities.
  

• Ensure that materials are handled in accordance with approved load limits, stacking procedures, and warehouse traffic management requirements.
  

• Position, retrieve, and transport goods accurately to designated storage locations while maintaining safe operating speeds and clear visibility.
  

• Ensure that loads are properly secured and balanced before moving and that pedestrian and vehicle safety is maintained at all times.
  

• Immediately report damaged pallets, unstable loads, product damage, or unsafe storage conditions
  

C. Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

• Conduct daily pre-use inspections of forklifts and reach trucks using the designated inspection checklists before operating the equipment.
  
• Identify, document, and report any mechanical faults, defects, damage, or abnormalities detected during pre-use checks or operations.
  
• Ensure that defective or unsafe equipment is not operated and promptly notify the supervisor or maintenance team for corrective action.
  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date forklift and reach truck inspection and maintenance records, as assigned.
  
• Monitor equipment servicing schedules and coordinate with the relevant supervisor or maintenance team to ensure timely servicing and preventive maintenance.
  
• Regularly inspect forklifts and reach trucks for signs of wear, damage, leaks, or other operational concerns and report any irregularities.
  
• Clean forklifts and reach trucks daily to maintain equipment cleanliness, functionality, and safe operating conditions.
  
• Clean reach trucks strictly in accordance with manufacturer and company requirements. Water must not be used; only approved dry cleaning methods, including a dry cloth, blower, and vacuum cleaner, shall be used
  

D. Warehouse Housekeeping and Product Care

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping in warehouse storage areas, loading bays, and equipment parking locations.
  
• Ensure that aisles, emergency exits, fire equipment, walkways, and access routes remain clear of obstructions.
  
• Park forklifts and reach trucks in designated areas after use, following the applicable shutdown and parking procedures.
  
• Handle lubricants and other warehouse materials carefully to prevent spills, leakage, contamination, and product damage.
  
• Promptly report and assist in addressing spills, damaged packaging, and other housekeeping or storage concerns in accordance with company procedures
  

Requirements

• A minimum of a KCSE certificate or equivalent secondary school qualification is preferred.
  
• A valid forklift operator licence, certificate, or recognised competency qualification, as required by applicable Kenyan regulations.
  
• Documented training and demonstrated competence in reach truck operation.
  
• Basic training in occupational health and safety, warehouse safety, and material handling is an added advantage.
  
• Basic knowledge of equipment inspection, preventive maintenance, and workplace hazard identification is desirable.
  
• Previous experience operating forklifts and reach trucks in a warehouse, distribution centre, manufacturing facility, or similar industrial environment is preferred.
  
• Experience handling palletized products, particularly lubricants or other packaged industrial products, is an added advantage.
  
• Experience working in busy warehouse environments involving loading, offloading, stacking, and order dispatch is desirable.
  
• Demonstrated ability to operate forklifts and reach trucks safely and efficiently.