Do Your Operators Need Refresher Training?

And, when a supervisor assigns a different class of lift truck to an operator, training must accompany that new assignment. For example, if an operator starts using a counterbalanced lift truck instead of an order picker, training should cover information specific to counterbalanced trucks.

Even changes to the work area — including rack configuration — may require safety-related educational updates.

New Hires and Temps

Importantly, new but experienced employees are not exempt from OSHA requirements. Even if an operator has been trained recently by his or her former employer, the hiring manager must still evaluate the new operator to ensure the previous training is appropriate for the new operational environment.

If the new operator is found to be competent in most areas but needs updates on some specific areas, then refresher training is an option that will avoid covering topics the employee already knows.

Companies also are responsible for training and evaluating temporary workers who will operate lift trucks. Even if operators are trained by the employment agency that refers them, it is still the responsibility of the employer to evaluate and certify the temporary employee. As with year-round staff, the employer must certify that temporary lift truck operators meet the company's specific training requirements and performance standards.

Training and evaluation of temporary workers must be properly documented to meet OSHA regulations. If training is not conducted, not adequate or not properly documented, the agency can levy hefty fines.

But preventing OSHA penalties should not be the only reason to take a second look at refresher training. Effective lift truck operator training minimizes downtime, increases productivity and ultimately benefits the company, its employees and its customers.

Rudy Cuevas is the corporate safety administrator for Associated Material Handling Industries Inc. in Addison, Ill., an authorized service center for the Raymond Corp.