Employers are not required to replicate previous training of a new operator based on lift truck rules. Training however has to be supplemented so as to address particular workplace risks and specific workplace equipment. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is essential that additional training must be offered.
Trainees are just allowed to operate lift trucks under direct supervision of just those who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees could just learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
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 workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification has to contain the training date, the operator name, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and lastly the evaluation date. Even though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is required. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences including: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, 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 should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules intentionally, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And finally, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians so as to make sure that everybody would be safe.