Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator according to forklift rules. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented so as to deal with certain workplace risks and particular workplace equipment. Like for instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; then again, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is vital that additional training has to be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to use forklifts under direct supervision of just people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees can only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
Making a practical assessment within the workplace is also essential. 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 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 needs to include the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and lastly 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 deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences 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 operation is noticed. Like for example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it can be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everyone stays safe.