Employers are not required to replicate previous training of a new operator based on lift truck rules. Training nevertheless needs to be supplemented in order to address certain workplace risks and particular workplace equipment. Like for instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training must be provided.
Trainees could use a powered 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 operating the machine. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other employees.
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 occur at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification should contain the operator name, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and lastly the date of evaluation. 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 could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences like for example: if a different kind 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.
When unsafe operation of a forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules willfully, it could be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everybody will be safe.