Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator based on forklift rules. Training however needs to be supplemented in order to address particular workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is vital that additional training must be provided.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize forklifts under direct supervision of only individuals who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other workers.
Making a practical evaluation within the workplace is also necessary. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise 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 name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the evaluation date. Though certain state OSHA bodies need 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 required any time an operator demonstrates some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences like for instance: if a different type of forklift 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 example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules deliberately, it could be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everybody stays safe.