Forklift Trainer Recertification Audit

Audit template for evaluating forklift trainer recertification readiness, including observation, refresher training, and documentation review.

Audit Details

• Trainer name and employee ID recorded
• Audit date and time recorded
• Audit reason identified
• Site, department, and trainer role documented

Trainer Competency Observation

• Pre-operation inspection performed correctly
  Trainer demonstrates a complete pre-use inspection consistent with site procedure and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requirements.
• Forklift operated with controlled speed, visibility, and load handling
  Observe safe travel speed, horn use where required, stable load handling, and attention to pedestrians and blind corners.
• Pedestrian awareness and exclusion zone maintained
  Trainer maintains safe separation from pedestrians, uses mirrors/spotters as needed, and demonstrates right-of-way awareness per site rules.
• Load stability and mast/fork positioning appropriate
  Observe correct fork placement, load backrest use when applicable, mast tilt, and load stability during travel and placement.
• Trainer explains safe operating practices clearly
  Trainer can verbally explain key hazards, site rules, and safe operating limits in a way that is accurate and understandable.

Refresher Training Review

• Refresher training completed when triggered by incident, unsafe evaluation, or workplace change
  Confirm retraining was provided after an accident, near miss, unsafe operation, or change in truck type, workplace conditions, or hazards.
• Refresher training topics cover observed gaps
  Verify retraining addressed the specific deficiencies identified during observation or prior evaluations.
• Refresher training date documented
• Trainer competency re-evaluated after refresher training
  Confirm a follow-up evaluation was completed and the trainer demonstrated acceptable performance after retraining.

Documentation and Records Review

• Initial trainer qualification records available
  Verify the file includes evidence of training, evaluation, and authorization to train forklift operators.
• Prior evaluation results reviewed and current
  Confirm the most recent evaluation is on file and supports continued trainer qualification.
• Documentation includes truck type(s) and work environment(s) covered
  Records should identify the forklift class, attachments, and site conditions for which the trainer is qualified.
• Incident, near miss, or corrective action history reviewed
  Confirm any relevant performance issues were reviewed and closed out before recertification approval.
• Recertification due date and next review date documented
• Records are complete, legible, and retrievable
  Verify documents are signed, dated, and stored where they can be produced for internal audit or regulatory review.

Site Rules, Hazards, and Program Alignment

• Current site hazards identified correctly
  Trainer can identify aisle congestion, dock edges, ramps, pedestrian routes, blind intersections, and other site-specific hazards.
• Changes to equipment, attachments, or workplace layout reviewed
  Verify the trainer is current on new truck models, attachments, traffic patterns, or storage layout changes that affect safe operation.
• Trainer understands site-specific operating rules and enforcement expectations
  Confirm the trainer can explain speed limits, seat belt use, load limits, pedestrian rules, and reporting expectations.

Closeout and Recertification Decision

• Overall recertification readiness decision
• Corrective actions assigned and due dates documented
• Inspector signature