When in warehouses, supplies are kept on shelving units, some of which can be very tall. An order picker is someone who uses order picking machinery to pick and deliver items from these shelves.
You may also hear this machinery referred to as an order picker as well. Human order pickers often use mechanical order pickers to help them pick orders. Confused? Let’s talk a little more about each.
Mechanical Order Pickers
Mechanical order pickers are machines that help humans pick orders. Because a lot of material is kept on higher shelves that cannot be reached, we need an alternative way to bring it down.
Unfortunately, ladders can be dangerous – especially when you’re trying to bring down heavy boxes full of supplies. So instead of ladders, individuals who work in storage units use order picking equipment.
This equipment is used to pick orders that are at elevations higher than the second level and can reach heights upwards of 390”.
You can think of order picking machinery like lift trucks that are designed to lift small loads. Mechanical order pickers are not designed to travel long distances but are perfect for small storage units.
Human Order Pickers
Human order pickers are the people who use and operate order picking machinery. They work in warehouses, and their job is to physically pull inventory from shelves and ensure that the inventory is delivered correctly.
In addition, they may also be asked to pack orders, load orders, and ensure all inventory records are kept up to date. Of course, job duties may vary greatly depending on where you work.
Human order pickers are responsible for their own safety when on the job. All order pickers are trained to operate the machinery given to them safely, but it is the worker’s responsibility to ensure that they follow all safety procedures.
Because order picking machinery is used at heights, all order pickers must wear safety harnesses when operating the machinery.
What qualifications are needed to be an order picker?
Qualifications for order picking jobs will differ from company to company. These jobs don’t usually require any technical training or higher education, though most companies do require a GED or high school diploma.
Individuals who wish to be order pickers should have the ability to lift heavy objects, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Order pickers generally have to stand for long periods of time and are often required to work in cooler (refrigerated) environments.
They should be self-motivated and independent but also have the ability to work well on a team. Attention to detail is necessary, and previous work in warehouses is always beneficial.
How much do order pickers make?
The average order picker in Canada earns around $16 per hour, or $31, 200 per year. Entry-level positions start around $27, 000 per year, while more experienced pickers make up to $36, 000 per year.
How can you become an order picker?
The best way to find order picking jobs is to search for them online. Websites like indeed.ca are great places to look for jobs in Canada and tend to have many order picking jobs to apply to.
