According to the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. To be able to deal with specific workplace hazards and specific workplace equipment, training needs to be supplemented. Like 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 contain a ramp; then again, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training must be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to operate lift trucks under direct supervision of just individuals who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and assess the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees could only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger the trainee themselves or other employees.
It is vital to make a practical assessment in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the jobsite, 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 name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the evaluation 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 need it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by some instances including: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It needs to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it might be necessary 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 other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everyone would be safe.