New Online Forklift Training Courses by KPA

Comply with OSHA’s Requirement for Forklift Operator Practical Training

Summary

A recent death at a car dealership is a stark reminder of the need for a thorough forklift training program. KPA has recently added 2 additional online trainings to our offerings; Forklift Training for Operators and Forklift Training for Supervisors. These trainings help our clients comply with OSHA training requirements.

OSHA Training Requirements

1. State/Federal regulations mandate that forklift operators receive training on how to properly and safely operate the forklift(s) they will operate. This training must consist of two elements:
   • Formal (Classroom) Instruction
   • Practical (Hands-on) Training and Evaluation
2. KPA has prepared an online training program that management can use to help satisfy the OSHA requirement for formal instruction. Facility specific training may need to be conducted to supplement the online training if facility specific conditions are not covered. A different party can also provide the training.
3. The second part, the Practical Hands-on training and evaluation must be conducted by an individual who has the “knowledge, training and experience to train forklift operators and evaluate their performance.” Due to varying onsite conditions and the large variety of forklifts available, KPA is not able to satisfy the OSHA requirement.
4. Employees must receive both formal instruction and practical training, and be evaluated prior to operating a forklift (except for training purposes).
5. Operator practical training must be carried out under the direct supervision of a qualified trainer and conducted in a location that does not endanger the trainee or other employees. As noted above, an individual is qualified to conduct this training by virtue of possessing the “knowledge, training and experience” to train forklift operators and evaluate their performance.
6. Refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the operator training, is required when:
   • An operator is found to be unsafely operating a forklift
   • An accident or near miss occurs
   • Different equipment is introduced
   • Workplace conditions change
   • An evaluation indicates the need
7. An evaluation of each forklift operator’s performance must be conducted at least once every three years.
8. KPA has prepared a draft Forklift Operator’s Performance Evaluation, which should be modified as appropriate for use at your facility. Any evaluation used should address facility specific issues. Special attention should be given to any lifting situation, facility condition, etc. that might pose a stability (overturning) risk for the forklift.

Please contact KPA if you want to discuss your Forklift Training or any other Environmental, Health, Safety, or HR compliance need, at info@kpaonline.com or call 1-866-356-1735