Based on the forklift rules, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to deal with certain workplace hazards and specific workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't have to be trained in order to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nevertheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that extra training should be provided.
Trainees are just allowed to use forklifts under direct supervision of just people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees could only 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 vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification must contain the date of training, the name of the operator, and the name of the person performing the training and assessment and finally the date of assessment. 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 operation. Like for instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances including: if there is an accident or a near miss, 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.
When unsafe operation of a lift truck is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is willfully disobeying workplace safety regulations, it could 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 pedestrians and other staff working near forklifts in order to make sure that everybody stays safe.