Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator based on forklift regulations. Training however has to be supplemented so as to deal with specific workplace risks and particular workplace machines. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that extra training should be provided.
Trainees are just allowed to utilize lift trucks under direct supervision of only people who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees could just learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment in the workplace is also necessary. 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 accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification should contain the date of training, the operator name, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and finally the date of evaluation. Even if certain 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 required any time an operator demonstrates some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training would be triggered by some instances like for example: if a different kind 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.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. Like for instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it can be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice forklift awareness training for other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to make sure that everybody will be safe.