New OSHA rule mandates forklift training, certification

All IUOE members who operate forklifts or powered industrial trucks mus meet training and certification requirements stipulated in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's new Powered Industrial Truck Training rule.

The rule went into effect March 1, with a compliance mandate beginning Dec. 1, 1999.

The rule requires operators of these pieces of equipment to receive both classroom and practical training, to undergo a formal evaluation of the ability to operate the equipment, and to be certified as competent. The certification must be renewed at least once every three years.

Employers are required to provide the training and must certify that every operator has received appropriate training, has been evaluated and has demonstrated competency in performing the operator's duties. The name of the trainee, date of training and signature of the designated evaluator will be included in the certification. If an outside trainer is used, the employer must retain all training materials, the course outline, and the name and address of the trainer. The employer must retain all documentation of certification for possible review by OSHA compliance officers.

The rule applies to all industries (general industry, construction, shipyards, marine terminals, and long shoring operations).

It direct that training focus on two areas: operation of the equipment and recognition of workplace hazards. In addition, OSHA recommends the employer identify all qualifications relevant to the position, including acceptable vision, hearing, and the ability to work in excessive temperatures.

The type and amount of training an operator must receive will be based on the following:

The operator's prior knowledge and skill.

The types of forklifts and powered industrial trucks the employee will operate in the workplace.

The hazards present in the workplace.

The operator's demonstrated ability to operate a forklift and / or powered industrial truck safely.

Because these pieces of equipment are manufactured by different companies with various models available, the training must be targeted to the operating characteristics of the specific piece(s) of equipment the employee will be using.

The rule contains a provision to avoid duplicative training. If an operator has already received training in a topic specified in the rule and has been evaluated and found to be competent, then no additional training will be required.

While precluding duplicative training, OSHA said refresher training would be mandated in the following instances:

The operator is involved in an accident or near-miss incident.

There are changes in the workplace that could affect safe operation of the equipment.

The operator is assigned to operate a different piece of equipment.

The operator has been observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.

The operator has been determined during an evaluation to need additional training.

The new rule requires employers to evaluate each operator's performance as part of the initial and refresher training, and at least once every three years. The compliance dates are as follows: if the employee has hired before December 1, 1999, then the employer must complete an evaluation of that employee by December1, 1999; if the employee is hired after December1, 1999, then the employee must be evaluated before he or she is assigned to operate a powered industrial truck.

Forklift and industrial truck accidents are among the leading causes of workplace deaths within industrial operations, killing more than 100 employees and seriously injuring another 34,900 annually. According to OSHA, 20 to 25 percent of these accidents are attributed to insufficient training.

Within the construction industry, OSHA estimates there were, on average, 16 forklift - or powered industrial truck-related fatalities and 2,380 injuries per year. The agency estimates the rule will prevent 11 deaths and 9,500 injures.

February - March 1999

vol. 142, no. 1