From the questions posed by the committee members, it appears that it will take a concerted effort by proponents to persuade the Legislature to change existing law. The new regulation requires employers to provide both initial training and refresher training to employees operating forklifts and similar types of equipment. All initial training and evaluation of employees who operate forklifts must be completed by Dec. 1, 1999. Companies should keep on file copies of training materials used. Under the new regulation, training must consist of both classroom and hands-on instruction.
Instructors can be anyone competent, by reason of experience, in forklift operations.
This person should be familiar with your facility and any special conditions. The trainer does not need special certification. Part of the new regulation is the need for operator re-evaluation every three years. Employers should use training logs or individual training cards as proof of the completed training. In addition to operator training, daily inspections of forklifts is part of the new regulation.