What are some job duties of a material handler?

Material handlers fulfill a broad range of duties, but typically descriptions for these employees include the following day-to-day responsibilities:

• Ensures orderly production and distribution of products by pulling orders from inventory, delivering production materials and supplies where needed, and staging finished product's final distribution

• Contributes to the orderly operation of stock and materials storage area

• Maintains inventory by identifying, labeling, and keeping materials and supplies in stock, recording location of inventory, and reporting shortages

• Locates materials and supplies by pulling and verifying materials and supplies listed on production orders

• Maintains in-process inventory at work centers by delivering and opening materials and supplies

• Locates and packs materials for shipping

• Documents materials and records units delivered and location of units

• Receives credit-return material and supplies from production by verifying materials and supply codes, lot numbers, and quantities

• Prepares finished stock for shipment by identifying, pulling, packing, crating, loading, and securing product

• Maintains material-handling equipment by completing pre-use inspections and making operator repairs

• Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items or signals machine operators to move materials onto and off trucks, ships, and loading docks

• Learns and adheres to workplace safety regulations