Based on the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. To be able to address certain workplace risks and particular workplace machinery, training needs to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't have to be trained to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that additional training must be offered.
Trainees are only allowed to operate forklifts under direct supervision of just people who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees competence on the lift truck. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
Making a practical assessment 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, utilizing 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 certified. The certification must contain the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the date of assessment. Though certain state OSHA bodies require 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 type of deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by certain occurrences including: if a different type 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 operation is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it may be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts so as to make sure that everybody would be safe.