According to the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to address particular workplace hazards and specific workplace machines, training has to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that additional training must be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to operate lift trucks under direct supervision of only people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is necessary 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 workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be certified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification must include the operator name, the date of training, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and finally the date of assessment. Though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is vital to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like for example: if a different type of lift truck 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.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety rules, it can be essential to implement disciplinary action. And finally, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to ensure everybody stays safe.