According to the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. To be able to deal with particular workplace hazards and particular workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training has to be provided.
Trainees can utilize a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their competence operating the machinery. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification needs to 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. Though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator shows some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck use. For example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances including: if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, 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 should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is willfully disobeying workplace safety regulations, it could be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to ensure everyone will be safe.