Based on the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. To be able to address particular workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment, training needs to be supplemented. 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; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is essential that extra training must be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to use lift trucks under direct supervision of just individuals who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, 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 has to contain the name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and evaluation and lastly the assessment date. Though certain 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 shown some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, 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 operation is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules intentionally, 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 forklift awareness training for other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everyone stays safe.