Employers are not required to replicate previous training of a new operator based on lift truck regulations. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented so as to deal with certain workplace risks and specific workplace machinery. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained in order to steer a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is essential that additional training should be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to operate forklifts under direct supervision of just individuals who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees skill on the forklift. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical evaluation within the workplace is also necessary. 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 precise as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification must include the training date, the operator name, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and finally the evaluation date. Though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is required. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances like: if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
It needs to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety rules, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to make sure that everybody stays safe.