Based on the forklift rules, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. In order to deal with particular workplace risks and particular workplace equipment, training needs to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is essential that additional training needs to be provided.
Trainees can use a motorized industrial truck only 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 equipment. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment in the workplace is also essential. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the jobsite, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should include the date of training, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and finally the assessment date. Even if certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. For example, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like: 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 use of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations willfully, 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 other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everyone would be safe.