Employers are not required to repeat previous training of a new operator based on forklift rules. Training nonetheless has to be supplemented so as to deal with particular workplace hazards and specific workplace equipment. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to maneuver 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 essential that additional training needs to be offered.
Trainees can operate a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the experience, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their competence using the machinery. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment in the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification must contain the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and lastly the evaluation date. Even if 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 essential. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like for example: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe use of a forklift is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations willfully, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to make sure that everyone stays safe.