Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator based on lift truck rules. Training nonetheless has to be supplemented in order to deal with certain workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to maneuver 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 necessary that extra training must be offered.
Trainees may utilize a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the experience, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their competence utilizing the machine. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical evaluation within the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur 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 qualified. The certification should include the operator name, the training date, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and finally the assessment date. Though certain state OSHA bodies require 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 kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. For example, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like for instance: 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.
It needs to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. Like for instance, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety regulations, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to ensure everyone will be safe.