Employers are not required to replicate previous training of a new operator according to lift truck rules. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented in order to address certain workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees could operate a motorized industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their skill operating the machine. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is necessary to make a practical assessment within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification needs to include the training date, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the evaluation and training and lastly the assessment date. Though some 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 needed any time an operator shows some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by some occurrences like for example: if a different type of forklift 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 use is noticed. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules deliberately, it can be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working near forklifts in order to make sure that everybody stays safe.