Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator based on lift truck rules. Training nonetheless has to be supplemented so as to deal with specific workplace hazards and specific workplace machinery. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to be able to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training must be provided.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of only people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other employees.
Making a practical assessment within the workplace is also necessary. 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.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification must include the operator name, the date of training, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and lastly the evaluation date. Even though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is required to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances like: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe use of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules deliberately, it can be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if 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 in order to ensure everyone stays safe.