According to the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. In order to deal with particular workplace risks and specific workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is essential that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees are just allowed to use lift trucks under direct supervision of only individuals who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment within the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be certified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should include the training date, the operator name, and the name of the person performing the training and assessment and finally the date of assessment. Though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is essential. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like: if a different kind of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, 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 must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it could be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working near forklifts in order to make sure that everyone stays safe.