Based on the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. To be able to deal with particular workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't need to be trained to be able to steer a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is vital that additional training needs to be offered.
Trainees are just allowed to operate lift trucks under direct supervision of only individuals who have the necessary knowledge and training to train and evaluate the trainees skill on the forklift. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment within the workplace is also necessary. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training happen at the workplace, 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 must include the training date, the operator name, and the name of the individual performing the training and evaluation and lastly the evaluation date. Though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is essential. It can also become mandatory to those operators who have shown some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by certain instances like for instance: if there is an accident or a near miss, if a different type of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. Like for example, if an operator is willfully disobeying workplace safety regulations, it could be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to make sure that everyone would be safe.