OSHA Regulations and Courses
The final rule of the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Training regulations was published, and went into effect, March 1, 1999. Initial compliance was required no later than December 1, 1999. These regulations changed training requirements significantly! The most important aspects affect:
- Fundamental Operator Training
- Truck Specific Training
- Task Specific Training
- Site Specific Training
- Evaluations, Refresher training and Re-evaluations (Coaching)
- Train The Trainer
Fundamental Operator Training
Before being given a learners permit to learn to drive an automobile a person must pass a test showing that they understand the fundamentals of automobile laws and operation. In the same way, the new standard specifies a detailed listing of the topics that lift truck operators must know BEFORE they may operate a lift truck. Some of the most important topics include truck capacity and stability, shift check requirements and the many rules for safe operation of any powered industrial truck in a workplace.
Truck Specific Training
The new standard demands that operators be trained and evaluated on each specific type lift truck before they may operate it. This training begins with the operating manual - OSHA requires operators to know all the warnings and cautions contained in the truck's operating manual. The operating manual also explains the required shift checks and functioning of all controls and instruments.
Task Specific Training
Operators are required to perform different tasks in different companies and even different departments. OSHA regulations require that operators be trained to do their specific tasks safely.
Site Specific Training
Most workplaces have hazards that impact material handling safety. Many of these hazards (such as shipping dock drop-offs) can not practically be eliminated. Employers are required to inventory the material handling hazards contained in their workplace and devise policies to enable employees to work safely with these hazards. The employees must be trained in these policies and their use must be enforced.
Evaluations, Refresher training and Re-evaluations (Coaching)
Powered industrial truck operators must be evaluated on each of the following occasions:
- Following initial training, training on a different model truck and/or training regarding changes in the workplace that may impact safety
- Whenever an operator operates unsafely or has a near miss or accident
At a minimum every three years
Refresher training must be conducted immediately if the evaluation reveals
unsafe operation. Refresher training may be a coaching situation where
an operator is encouraged to continue safe practices and to discontinue
unsafe practices. A re-evaluation must follow the refresher training to
be sure the operator is complying.
Who are the logical individuals to conduct these evaluations?
Most companies agree that supervisors are the logical choice.
Train-the-Trainer
Develop your own in-house expert to train your supervisors and operators. The two-day Barloworld Handling Train-the-Trainer course offers your employee the knowledge and training necessary to conduct all of the OSHA required instruction. The Instructors Kit includes:
- Slide program
- Instructor Guide
- Truck, task and site specific training guides
- Stability model
- Examinations
- Evaluation and record keeping forms
The Instructor's Guide reinforces the training provided in the course and is an information resource your expert can rely on in the months and years ahead. The Fundamental Operator Training program that is included in this course uses slides so your trainer may add information on the trucks, tasks and site specific hazards of your workplace. These programs are conducted at our locations throughout the Southeast and are also available for presentation at your location.
For Training Schedule, click here.
For Training Center Location map, click here.
To Register for Training, click here.
