According to the forklift rules, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. To be able to address particular workplace risks and particular workplace machinery, training needs to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that additional training should be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of only those who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment in the workplace is also necessary. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be certified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification must include the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the evaluation date. Even if certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Refresher training is vital to be completed every 3 years. It is also required any time an operator shows some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances including: if a different kind of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It needs 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 could be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working near forklifts in order to ensure everyone would be safe.