Based on the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. To be able to deal with specific workplace risks and specific workplace machines, training has to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is essential that extra training must be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to operate forklifts under direct supervision of just those who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical assessment in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, utilizing 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 has to include the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and finally the assessment date. Though some state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances like for example: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different kind of lift truck 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 lift truck is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules intentionally, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everyone stays safe.