Employers are not required to repeat previous training of a new operator according to lift truck regulations. Training nevertheless needs to be supplemented in order to deal with certain workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to be able to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training should be offered.
Trainees could use a motorized industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the experience, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their skill utilizing the machine. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, utilizing 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 date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the evaluation and training and finally the evaluation date. Even if 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 necessary. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some type of deficiency in safe lift truck use. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by some occurrences including: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of forklift 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 forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it can be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to make certain that everybody will be safe.