Permits have become industry standard, not the law. The Record of Training is the all important document and employers may issue certificates to facilitate the identification of trainees. However, a permit only becomes a convenience for an operator who is working off site from the record of training and when called upon, can present it to the ministry.

A fellow in SW Ontario who is a trainer has a portion of the first page of his internet site dedicated to the belief that Ontario forklift operators do not require a permit to operate a forklift.

Since the corporation must ensure that all of its forklift operators have been trained and deemed competent to operate the forklift in question, then the onus is on the employer to prove, when called upon, that they have done their due diligence by taking the time, effort and expense to go through this process.

But nothing in the law or CSA guidleines state that a permit must be issued by the instructor, although we all do.

I even laminate the card and put their picture on it as well.