Based on the forklift rules, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. To be able to deal with particular workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery, training has to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training has to be offered.
Trainees can utilize a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the experience, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their competence using the equipment. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is vital to make a practical assessment in the workplace. 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 precise 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 name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the evaluation and training and lastly the assessment date. Even though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by some instances including: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of forklift 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 lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules deliberately, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everyone stays safe.