The training must be formal and include a hands-on evaluation. The trainers must have the knowledge, skills or experience to create safe forklift operators. If your trainers are not complying with all of the new OSHA regulations, you may be opening yourself up to liability issues. An injury or death involving a forklift, whether to a pedestrian or an operator, is often followed by a lawsuit. Equipment distributors who have training programs can provide a skilled and experienced trainer to work with operators.
Some employers have in-house training programs and choose to do the training themselves.
Whether trained by a professional trainer or in-house, the employer must ensure that each operator has been effectively trained. Operator Training One of the major changes to the OSHA regulations is the addition of facility and equipment specific training. To ensure proper training, trainers should begin by surveying the operating area or facility and documenting any hazards or conditions that may affect forklift operation. The survey must also include information about the type of equipment the operators will be using. Operators need to know specifics such as capacity, attachments, controls, and equipment inspection and maintenance procedures.