According to the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to repeat previous training of a new operator. To be able to address specific workplace hazards and specific workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. For instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to steer a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training has to be offered.
Trainees could use a motorized industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the experience, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their skill operating the equipment. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be certified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification must include the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the person performing the assessment and training and finally the date of assessment. Though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Refresher training is vital to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator shows some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For example, refresher training will be triggered by some instances like: 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. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety rules willfully, it might be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even if training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everybody would be safe.