Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator according to forklift rules. Training nevertheless needs to be supplemented so as to address particular workplace risks and specific workplace machinery. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that work place 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 needs to be offered.
Trainees may utilize a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and evaluate their skill utilizing the machine. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical assessment within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification should include the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the date of assessment. Even if some 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 shows some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances like for example: if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, 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 operation is noticed. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it can be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working near forklifts in order to ensure everyone would be safe.