Employers are not required to repeat previous training of a new operator based on forklift rules. Training however needs to be supplemented so as to address certain workplace hazards and specific workplace machines. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is vital that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees may utilize a motorized industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and evaluate their skill operating the equipment. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is necessary to make a practical assessment in the workplace. 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 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 name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and evaluation and lastly the date of evaluation. Even if some 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 shown some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances like: if there is a near miss or an accident, 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 operation of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for instance, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety regulations, it can be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to make certain that everyone will be safe.