Based on the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. In order to address specific workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery, training needs to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is essential that additional training must be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to operate forklifts under direct supervision of just individuals who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the jobsite, utilizing 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 has to include the date of training, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the date of assessment. Though certain state OSHA bodies need 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. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like: if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, 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. Like for instance, if an operator is willfully 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 forklift awareness training for other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everybody would be safe.