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 machines, training needs to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to navigate 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 necessary that extra training has to be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to operate forklifts under direct supervision of only those who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the forklift. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, 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 training date, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the date of assessment. Even if 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 kind of deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences like for instance: if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe operation of a lift truck is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules willfully, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working near forklifts in order to ensure everybody stays safe.