Employers are not required to repeat previous training of a new operator based on lift truck regulations. Training however has to be supplemented so as to address certain workplace risks and particular workplace equipment. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that additional training must be provided.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of just individuals who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other employees.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the jobsite, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be certified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should include the name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and lastly the date of assessment. Even though some state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need 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 operation. For instance, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like for example: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different kind of forklift is introduced to the workplace, 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. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules intentionally, it may be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to make certain that everyone would be safe.