Based on the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. In order to deal with particular workplace risks and specific workplace machinery, training has to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is essential that extra training must be provided.
Trainees can utilize a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and evaluate their skill using the machine. The trainees could just learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is vital to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification needs to contain the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and finally the assessment date. Though some 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 shown some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by some occurrences including: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe operation of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is willfully disobeying workplace safety rules, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everybody would be safe.