According to the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. In order to deal with certain workplace risks and particular workplace machines, training has to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training must be offered.
Trainees can use a motorized industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their skill operating the machinery. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
It is vital to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur 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 certified. The certification should include the date of training, the operator name, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and lastly the date of evaluation. Even if some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Refresher training is vital to be completed every 3 years. It is also required any time an operator shows some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences like: if there is a near miss or an accident, 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 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 willfully, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to ensure everybody will be safe.