Answers to the most frequently asked questions about forklift training

* Must employees be trained?
Yes, all employees operating a forklift must be trained. The training consists of three elements: formal, practical and a visual evaluation of the operator’s skill.

* Does an employer have to hire a professional trainer?
No, anyone with forklift knowledge and the ability to evaluate forklift operators can conduct the training.

* Can employers develop their own training program?
Yes, as long as they cover the required topics and evaluate the operators properly.

* Do employees have to be evaluated after training?
Yes, they must be evaluated after initial training and every three years after that to insure they maintain their skills.

* Does the training have to be documented?
Yes, the employer must keep a record of the names of the operators, dates of training and evaluation and the name of their evaluators.

* Does training from a previous employer count?
Yes and no. The training can meet the general requirement but the new employer must provide site-specific hands on training for the forklift the employees will use and must evaluate the employees on it.

* Is a license or certification required to operate a forklift?
No, the requirement is that operators receive complete training.