Based on the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. To be able to deal with specific workplace hazards and specific workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is essential that extra training should be offered.
Trainees could use a motorized industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and evaluate their competence operating the equipment. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is vital to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification has to include the operator name, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and finally the date of assessment. Though some state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like for example: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different kind of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe operation of a lift truck is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it could be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians so as to make sure that everyone would be safe.