Tommy,

Some notes regarding your question:

1) While it is true the agency that regulates workplace safety in the states (OSHA) places the ultimate responsibility for forklift training on the employer, this task can legitimately be delegated to an outside trainer or agency.

2) Many of these "outside" trainers are certified by the various forklift manufacturers here (Toyota; Raymond; Crown, etc) or the manufacturers' local dealers. Most of these programs are excellent, but none are approved or disqualified by OSHA, as it is also true that there is no formal trainer certification process on the books as of yet.

3) At the same time, if it can be determined that the trainer of an operator or operators was not competent, careless, etc, and that training resulted in an accident (as might have been the case in the North Dakota incident) you can be sure both OSHA and a host of attorneys will be at the door.

Hope this helps.

SpeakerRich