Employers are not required to repeat previous training of a new operator based on forklift rules. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented in order to deal with specific workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment. For example, an operator doesn't have 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 actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training needs to be offered.
Trainees could use a powered 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 utilizing the machinery. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also necessary. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the workplace, 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 certified. The certification needs to include the training date, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and lastly the assessment date. Though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is essential. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences like for instance: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It needs to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe operation is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations willfully, it can be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to make certain that everybody stays safe.