According to the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to deal with certain workplace hazards and particular workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained in order to maneuver a forklift on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; then again, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere that has a ramp, it is essential that extra training should be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to operate lift trucks under direct supervision of only those who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and assess the trainees skill on the lift truck. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
Making a practical evaluation in the workplace is also necessary. 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.
An operator is said to be certified when they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification needs to contain the name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and evaluation and lastly the date of assessment. Though some state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator shows some type of deficiency in safe lift truck use. For example, refresher training would 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 an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe use of a forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. For example, if an operator is intentionally disobeying workplace safety regulations, it can be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to make certain that everybody stays safe.