According to the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. In order to deal with certain workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery, training needs to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that extra training should be offered.
Trainees could use a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their competence using the machinery. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers 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 happen 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 certified. The certification must contain the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and lastly the date of evaluation. 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 can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training will be triggered by some instances like for instance: if a different kind of lift truck 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.
When unsafe operation of a forklift is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety regulations, it might be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to make sure that everyone stays safe.