According to the forklift rules, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. In order to address specific workplace hazards and specific workplace equipment, training needs to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training should be offered.
Trainees can utilize a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the experience, training and knowledge to train operators and evaluate their skill using the machine. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is vital to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the jobsite, using 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 training and assessment and lastly the evaluation date. Even though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Every three years, refresher training is essential. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training would be triggered by certain occurrences like: if a different type of lift truck 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.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe operation is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working near forklifts in order to make certain that everyone stays safe.