According to the forklift rules, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. To be able to address particular workplace hazards and specific workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training should be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to utilize forklifts under direct supervision of just people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also essential. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification has to include the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training 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 necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by certain instances like for example: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different kind of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
It needs to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe operation is noticed. For example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety rules, it may be required to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to make sure that everybody stays safe.