Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator based on forklift regulations. Training nevertheless has to be supplemented so as to address particular workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is essential that extra training must be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to use forklifts under direct supervision of only people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees can just learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical assessment in 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.
An operator is said to be qualified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should contain the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the evaluation and training and lastly the date of assessment. Even though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is required. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by some 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 use of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working near forklifts so as to ensure everyone stays safe.