According to the forklift rules, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. In order to deal with certain workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that 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 individuals who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees skill on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is necessary to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the jobsite, using 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 qualified. The certification must include the date of training, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and finally the date of evaluation. Though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is essential. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like for instance: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different type of lift truck 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. Like for instance, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety regulations, it could be required to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everyone would be safe.