According to the forklift rules, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. To be able to deal with particular workplace risks and specific workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to be able to steer a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training should be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of just those who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other workers.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also vital. 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 qualified. 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 assessment. Though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like: if a different kind 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 has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe operation is noticed. Like for example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules intentionally, it may be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to make sure that everyone stays safe.