| 1.
Why do I need to train my forklift operators?
The best reason to train and evaluate all lift truck operators
is to improve workplace safety. OSHA created a new regulation
(29 CFR 1910.178(l)) that spells out requirements for operator
training and evaluation with the intent of reducing the number
or forklift accidents. Failure of the employer to comply with
the new rules can result in expensive fines and loss of insurance
coverage. This can be disastrous to the employer if a serious
accident occurs.
2.
What kind of training does the new OSHA standard require?
Formal (lecture, video, interactive computer, etc.) and practical
(demonstration and hands-on exercises) training must be provided.
Prior to operating a truck in the workplace, the employer
must evaluate the operator's performance and determine the
operator to be competent to operate a powered industrial truck
safely. CertifyMe.net provide the formal training along with
resources to help the employer complete the practical training
and evaluation on-site. There are no special or additional
"Train the Trainer" requirements.
3.
We already pay for a training program. How does CertifyMe.net
fit in?
To reduce training costs, OSHA encourages employers to implement
their own training programs. CertifyMe.net takes care of the
formal training (non site-specific). The employer can then
either appoint a qualified employee as the company trainer
or hire an outside trainer to complete the practical training
and evaluations. Either way you keep your employees on-site.
4.
Our company has training materials. Do I need CertifyMe.net?
Formal lift truck training on CertifyMe.net combines classroom
training and testing into one package. Constant supervision
is not necessary because the trainee logs in with a special
user ID and password. Our program takes the place of expensive
videotapes and CDs and is never obsolete: Future changes in
OSHA training requirements will be implemented immediately.
5.
How do I get on-site training?
An employee can be designated as the company trainer or the
employer can hire an outside trainer to come to the workplace
to conduct training. Designating an employee trainer gives
the employer the most flexibility and is usually less expensive
since training can be conducted when most convenient for the
trainer and the operator(s). CertifyMe.net provides registered
users with evaluation forms and checklists to help the employer
conduct on-site training and evaluations. In addition, we
can recommend an outside trainer in your area through our
affiliate trainer program.
6.
We use several different types of forklifts at our company
The CertifyMe.net training material covers general truck and
workplace related topics for Powered Industrial Truck classes
1 thru 7 (classifications established by the Industrial Truck
Association). This includes the majority of lift trucks in
use but does not include all trucks covered by the OSHA standard.
The employer must ensure that each operator is trained and
evaluated for the specific type and model of truck that will
be used.
7.
Is the CertifyMe.net forklift training program approved by
OSHA?
OHSA does not certify, accredit or approve any training programs
or trainers. The OSHA regulations clearly describe the required
content of lift truck training programs and CertifyMe.net
is designed in accordance with the general training requirements
of the OSHA standard. The responsibility rests with the employer
to certify that each lift truck operator has received the
necessary training and has been evaluated and proved competent
to operate a vehicle.
8.
What does "certified" mean?
The employer must certify that each operator has been trained
and evaluated as required by the standard. The certification
must include the name of the operator, the date of training,
the date of evaluation, and the identity of the person(s)
performing the training or evaluation. CertifyMe.net provides
a certificate of completion to each operator who has completed
a training session. The certificate is imprinted with the
company name and must be signed by the operator and the employer/supervisor.
9.
What type of records or documentation must I keep?
The OSHA standard requires that the employer certify that
each operator has received the training and has been evaluated.
The written certification record must include the name of
the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation,
and the identity of the person(s) performing the training
or evaluation.
10.
Does OSHA require the employer to issue licenses to employees
who have received training?
No. The OSHA standard does not require employees to be licensed.
An employer may choose to issue licenses to trained operators.
CertifyMe.net provides wallet size certificates of completion
that operators can carry as evidence of course completion.
11.
How often must refresher training be given?
The standard does not require any specific frequency of refresher
training. Refresher training must be provided when:
- The operator
has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
- The operator
has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
- The operator
has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator
is not operating the truck safely.
- The operator
is assigned to drive a different type of truck.
- A condition
in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safety
operation of the truck.
12.
I employ drivers from a temporary agency. Am I responsible
for their training?
According to OSHA there is shared responsibilities for assuring
employees are adequately trained. The responsibility for providing
training should be spelled out in the contractual agreement
between the two parties. The temporary agency or the contracting
employer may conduct the training and evaluation of operators
from a temporary agency as required by the standard; however,
the host employer (or other employer who enters into a contract
with the temporary agency) must provide site-specific information
and training on the use of the particular types of trucks
and workplace-related topics that are present in the workplace.
13.
If my employees have already received training, or have been
operating trucks for many years, must I retrain them?
No. An employer does not need to retrain an employee in the
operation of a powered industrial truck if the employer certifies
that the operator has been evaluated and has proven to be
competent to operate the truck safely. The operator would
need additional training in those elements where his or her
performance indicates the need for further training and for
new types of equipment and areas of operation. CertifyMe.net
is an ideal solution for getting your experienced lift truck
operators in compliance without making them go through an
expensive and time consuming training program. |
