Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator based on forklift rules. Training nonetheless has to be supplemented so as to address particular workplace risks and particular workplace equipment. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is essential that extra training must be offered.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of only individuals who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees could just learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate 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 contain the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and finally the date of assessment. Even though 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 inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances including: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules deliberately, it may be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everybody stays safe.