Forklift trainers with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation certified several inmates in a program of recovery from a 2009 prison riot in Chino.

"On this project (at the California Institution for Men), the ... safety officer certified five inmates to operate forklifts," says Brad Long, a level-three construction supervisor in the inmate ward labour program with the department's project and construction management division. Since 2006, the program in region three has certified 174 inmates for forklift operations.

On 8 August 2009, a riot mainly involving Hispanic and African American inmates broke out, resulting in about USD5.2 million in damage. Rioters ripped bathroom sinks from walls and started fires. Officials needed more than 12 hours to lock down the site and six nearby prisons. More than 250 inmates were injured, and about 50 were taken for hospital treatment. An October ceremony recognized completion of repairs to the prison infrastructure.

The inmates operated a Lift King counterbalance forklift with 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) lifting capacity, a 6,450 lb (2,903 kg) Clark GPX-40 counterbalance forklift and a 10,000 lb Skytrak 1042 high-reach all-terrain forklift as part of the work to repair a heavily damaged west dormitory.

Long says region three has two trainers to certify state staff, union trade staff members and inmates in the safe operation of equipment. The trainers receive classroom and hands-on IVES-level certification through classes at the Safety Center Inc in Sacramento, California. IVES is an acronym for "integrity, value, expertise and support."

The institution in Chino serves as a reception centre for parolees returning to custody and male felons who have been newly committed to the department from several southern California counties.

A paroled inmate holding a forklift operator's certification has the opportunity to keep that credential current as part of his training resume in seeking employment.

A statewide safety coordinator is responsible to ensure all necessary training is conducted in compliance with regulations of the California Occupational Safety and Health Division and inmate ward labour policies.