According to the lift truck regulations, an employer is not required to replicate previous training of a new operator. In order to address particular workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery, training has to be supplemented. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training must be provided.
Trainees could use a powered industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their skill operating the machine. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not endanger other workers or the trainee themselves.
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 workplace, 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 operator name, the training date, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and finally the assessment date. Even if some 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 type of deficiency in safe lift truck use. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like: 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.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe operation is noticed. Like for instance, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety regulations, it can 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 forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other employees working near forklifts in order to ensure everyone will be safe.