Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator according to lift truck rules. Training nevertheless has to be supplemented so as to deal with specific workplace risks and specific workplace equipment. For example, an operator doesn't have to be trained to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that additional training must be provided.
Trainees could utilize a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the experience, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their competence using the equipment. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
It is essential to make a practical assessment within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification must include the date of training, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and lastly the assessment date. Even if some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is required. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It needs to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe operation is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it might be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians so as to make sure that everyone stays safe.