Employers are not required to repeat previous training of a new operator based on forklift regulations. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented in order to address particular workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery. For instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is essential that extra training needs to be offered.
Trainees can operate a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the experience, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their skill operating the machinery. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical assessment within the workplace. 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.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification should include the name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and assessment and lastly 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 required to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances like: if a different kind of lift truck 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 operation is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it could be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to make certain that everyone stays safe.