Based on the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to address certain workplace hazards and specific workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained in order to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that extra training should be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of just those who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees could just learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is vital to make a practical assessment within 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 accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification has to include the name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and finally the date of evaluation. Though some 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 needed any time an operator shows some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances including: if a different kind of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it can be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And finally, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everyone would be safe.