Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator according to forklift rules. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented in order to address specific workplace risks and specific workplace equipment. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is essential that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the experience, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their competence using the machine. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment within the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be certified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification has to include the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and lastly the assessment date. Though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences including: if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe operation of a forklift is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety regulations, it could be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to make certain that everybody stays safe.