A Material Handler is responsible for safely and efficiently moving materials and products within a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Here are some of the tasks that a Material Handler typically performs on a day-to-day basis:
- Receiving: Receive incoming shipments of materials and verify their accuracy against purchase orders or shipping manifests.
- Inspection: Inspect received materials for damage, defects, or discrepancies and report any issues to the appropriate personnel.
- Inventory Management: Update inventory records, including manually recording quantities and locations of materials, or using computerized inventory systems.
- Storage: Properly store materials in designated areas, ensuring they are organized and easily accessible.
- Picking, Packing, and Shipping: Retrieve materials from storage locations and prepare them for shipment, which may involve picking and packing orders, labeling, weighing, and using shipping software.
- Equipment Operation: Operate various types of material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks, to move materials throughout the facility.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of material movements, including receipts, shipping logs, and transfer documents.
- Safety and Maintenance: Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines while handling materials, and perform routine maintenance tasks on equipment, such as cleaning and inspection.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments or team members to ensure the smooth flow of materials and resolve any issues that arise.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and suggest ideas to optimize material handling operations.
These tasks may vary depending on the specific industry and company, but overall, Material Handlers play a crucial role in maintaining the efficient flow of materials within a facility.