According to the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. To be able to address particular workplace risks and particular workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; however, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that additional training should be offered.
Trainees may utilize a powered 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 an environment where such operation does not put in danger other employees or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment within the workplace is also essential. 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 accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be certified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should contain the training date, the name of the operator, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and finally the date of evaluation. 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 essential. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by some occurrences like for instance: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different type 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 regulations, it can be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to ensure everyone will be safe.