Employers are not required to replicate previous training of a new operator according to lift truck rules. Training however has to be supplemented so as to address particular workplace risks and specific workplace machinery. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that extra training must be offered.
Trainees are just allowed to operate forklifts under direct supervision of only people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur 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 should contain the training date, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and lastly the assessment date. Even though 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 deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by some instances like: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe use of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it may be required to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everyone will be safe.