Based on the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to deal with particular workplace hazards and specific workplace machines, training has to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is vital that additional training needs to be provided.
Trainees may utilize a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their competence operating the machine. The trainees could just learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is necessary to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should include the operator name, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and evaluation and lastly the evaluation date. Even if certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe use of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules willfully, it may be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to ensure everyone would be safe.