According to the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. In order to address specific workplace risks and particular workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that additional training should be offered.
Trainees may use a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their competence utilizing the machine. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
It is necessary 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 jobsite, 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 needs to include the training date, the name of the operator, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and finally the date of assessment. Even though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is essential. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances like: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For instance, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety regulations, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians so as to make certain that everybody stays safe.