Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator based on lift truck regulations. Training nevertheless has to be supplemented so as to address specific workplace risks and specific workplace machines. For example, an operator doesn't have to be trained in order to navigate a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is essential that extra training has to be offered.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of just those who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment in the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification must include the training date, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and finally the assessment date. Even though some state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Refresher training is required to be completed every 3 years. It is also required any time an operator demonstrates some type of deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for instance, refresher training will 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.
When unsafe use of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety regulations, it may be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to make sure that everybody stays safe.