According to the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. To be able to deal with certain workplace risks and specific workplace equipment, training needs to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; however, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is essential that additional training should be provided.
Trainees can use a powered industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the experience, training and knowledge to train operators and evaluate their skill using the machinery. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other employees.
It is necessary to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should contain the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and finally the date of assessment. Even though 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 could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training would be triggered by some occurrences including: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, 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 operation is noticed. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everyone stays safe.