Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator according to lift truck regulations. Training nonetheless has to be supplemented so as to deal with certain workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment. Like for example, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training has to be provided.
Trainees can utilize a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their competence operating the machine. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other workers.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification has to contain the operator name, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and finally the date of evaluation. Even if 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 could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like for example: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe use of a forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules intentionally, it might be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to make sure that everybody stays safe.