Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator based on lift truck rules. Training nevertheless needs to be supplemented in order to address certain workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is essential that extra training has to be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of only people who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also essential. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the jobsite, using 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 qualified. The certification has to contain the operator name, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and assessment and finally the date of assessment. Though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Refresher training is vital to be completed every 3 years. It is also required any time an operator shows some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences like: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe operation of a lift truck is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety rules, it can be necessary 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 near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everyone would be safe.