So far, here is a recap of the original question with the responses, so far: "Regardless of the time it takes, what should in-house/company instructors be able to DO as a result of the training they receive?"

1. Describe each workplace hazard AND the effective on-truck action the operator needs to learn to stay safe.

2. Coach a new operator in how to recognize each workplace hazard along with the appropriate safe action needed to remove or avert it.

3. Conduct a valid on-truck test of operator skills.

4. Locate relevant written regulatory text in response to any questions asked by new operators, their peers, or their management.

5. Objectively determine whether an operator has acquired and can use a skill or on-truck behavior that was taught to them.

6. Operate a truck, and discuss forklift safety as a "model" for others.

7. Talk about (share) examples of good forklift lessons learned from personal life examples.

8. [Before selection, volunteer-in ONLY if you (new instructor) can demonstrate the desire and interest to help operators improve their skills through instruction and coaching. If not, P-L-E-A-S-E DO something other than forklift instructing]

9. Teach the Test, Skills Check, and/or Evaluation.

10. Keep records and produce reports of training activities for the company, OSHA, HR and the Risk Management dept.

11. Produce, conduct, and evaluate a written training/instructional plan that includes teaching all relevant forklift related regulatory compliance rules required in your country or state. [Examples of such rules are:
in Canada: CAN/CSA-B335-04-Safety Standard for Lift Trucks, especially Section 7, Qualifications for Forklift Truck Trainers (pages 34-35); Section 6, Operator Training Requirements (pages 25-33); in the USA, 29 CFR 1910.178, and in the USA (Consensus Standards incorporated by reference) and New Zealand, ANSI/ITSDF B56.1]

12. Demonstrate on-truck (or facilitate a demonstration of) the operation of the specific forklift and attachment(s) needed for related job/task(s).

13. Analyze and Recommend "other" training related to the on-job safety of a forklift operator...that might be delivered by another trainer/resource: [Examples include: in the USA: OSHA 1910.120 - Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (General Industry) or OSHA 1926.65 - Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Construction Industry); OSHA 1926.1400 - Cranes and Derricks; crane operator certification when they operate a forklift configured to hoist and lower (by means of a winch or hook) and horizontally move a suspended load when engaging in any type of CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY.]

14. When unfamiliar, new, or special function attachments need to be taught, perform an "operant-level" (detailed) written task analysis of its on-job use. Identify and persuade an experienced person to demonstrate the on-job task during the training.

#15 Write procedures for, and administer, both post-incident re-certifications, and on-the-job re-evaluations.

I'm adding #16:

Recommend from a workplace analysis both training and NON-training solutions to improving the on-job safety and productivity of operators.

Given past discussions about the quality of training, especially in-house training, I believe there are a least a few more ACTIONS that trainers should be able to perform.

Thank you,

joe_m