Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator based on forklift rules. Training however needs to be supplemented so as to address specific workplace hazards and specific workplace equipment. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is vital that extra training must be offered.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize forklifts under direct supervision of only those who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is necessary to make a practical assessment within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification needs to contain the training date, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and lastly the date of assessment. Even though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is required to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences including: if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe operation of a forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even 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 ensure everyone stays safe.