What training are we required to provide per OSHA? When confronting training requirements, many managers with safety responsibilities are unsure as to what training is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), how often, and what that training entails. It is fair to say that most OSHA regulations require some level of training for employees. While the OSHA regulations often require training, certain regulations specify exactly what that training must consist of and others give an employer leeway to decide for themselves. Also, most regulations make it clear that training should be provided on initial job assignment and as necessary thereafter. There are regulations, however, that require re-training regardless of need at regular intervals. Because many of the regulations have varying requirements for training, providing training sufficient to comply with all of the regulations applicable to a given employer can be quite confusing. Therefore, in this series of blog posts we will review the training requirements of common OSHA standards applicable to most employers starting with:   Powered Industrial Trucks – 29 CFR 1910.178 Do I need to provide forklift training? It is rare to find a manufacturing or warehousing setting without powered industrial trucks, also known as forklifts. Any general industry employer who uses these material handling devices must provide training. It is important to note that most any truck-type material handling device is considered a powered industrial truck, including: traditional forklifts, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, or any other truck powered by an electric or internal combustion motor. What is required for forklift training? Forklift operators are required to be trained using both classroom methods and hands-on methods. There are technical aspects of forklift operation that must be discussed in the classroom and enforced through hands-on training. As a best management practice, it is wise to use forklift driving courses that mimic the conditions to be encountered in the workplace during the hands-on training. The training must be administered by a person who is knowledgeable and experienced in forklift operation and evaluation of trainee skills. It is also required that the employer certify that every forklift operator has been trained and demonstrated an appropriate skill level to safely operate the forklift in the workplace. The certification must be recorded and maintained. Some employers like to issue forklift “driver’s licenses” to their operators, but this is not required if records of operator certification are maintained otherwise. How often must I offer forklift training? Like so many OSHA regulations, the forklift regulation requires employees to be trained before assigned to duties that require them to operate a forklift. Refresher training is required as necessary, specifically: if an accident or near-miss occurred, if different models forklifts are to be used, if unsafe driving is observed, or workplace conditions change in a manner that requires additional forklift operation skills. A formal evaluation of each operator’s skills is required every three years. However, if the evaluation determines the operator’s skills are sufficient, refresher training is not necessary. Next week, look for more information Electrical Safety (LOTO). #OSHA, #WorkerSafety, #BringingSafetyBack, #SafetyFirst