Based on the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. To be able to deal with particular workplace risks and specific workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that additional training needs to be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to use forklifts under direct supervision of just people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the jobsite, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification must include 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 though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Refresher training is required to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator shows some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like: if there is a near miss or an accident, 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.
When unsafe use of a forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety regulations, it may be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everybody stays safe.