Based on the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to address specific workplace risks and specific workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to be able to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; then again, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that extra training should be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to use lift trucks under direct supervision of only those who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate 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 wise to have the training happen at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be certified 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 training and assessment and finally the date of evaluation. Even though 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 required. 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 would be triggered by certain occurrences like: if a different type of lift truck 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 intentionally, it may be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working near forklifts so as to make certain that everybody stays safe.