The IVES Update Newsletter is a highly informative monthly e-newsletter. It contains up-to-date industry information, regulatory updates, stories from the field, upcoming program dates, What’s Wrong With This? photos, incident reports, our interactive “Ask Bob” question and answer column, new product details and much more.
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Year:
We are pleased to announce the completion of a long-term project which has seen the Trainer’s Manual, the three-ring binder issued to every IVES Certified Trainer, undergo extensive revisions
The newly revised Trainer’s Manual, which is made up of the Trainer Insert and Powered Mobile Equipment-specific Insert(s), is officially in use now and is standard issue on all IVES Trainer Certification Programs as of January 1, 2026.
If you have a Trainer’s Manual issued prior to 2026, there is no need for concern. The Manual you have is, and will remain, entirely suitable for use. There is no immediate need or requirement to replace it. However, should you choose to replace your current Manual with the latest greatest thing, the revised version will remain available to purchase for the same amount as the previous version until April 30, 2026, after which, its cost will increase.
Key updates to the revised Manual and Inserts include:
To give you a better sense of the make-up and flow of information in the revised Manual, have a look at the following Table of Contents.
Trainer Insert (SUP-019)
SECTION A
Program Overviews
Trainer Certification Program
Operator Training Program
How to Structure Your Operator Training Program
SECTION B
Rules & Regulations
Regulations
Industry Standards
Manufacturer’s Instructions
Company/Worksite Policies
Industry Best Practices
Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) Guidelines
Summary
SECTION C
Instructional Techniques
Traits of an Effective Trainer
Principles of Instruction
Image Management
Nervous Behavior
How PME Trainees Learn
The Adult Student
Handling Disruptive Trainees
Selecting Teaching Methods, Training Tools & Classroom Set-up
Guidelines for Conducting Effective Presentations
Summary
SECTION D
Initial Training
1. Theory Training
Introduction & Program Objectives
Interactive Theory Review & Test Preparation
2. Theory Testing
Operator Theory Test
3. Practical Training
Signaling Guidelines
Practical Training Guidelines
4. Practical Evaluation
Practical Evaluation Guidelines
Practical Evaluation Form
Using the Practical Evaluation Form
Summary
SECTION E
Documentation Procedures
Training Documents Descriptions & Samples
Applicable Operator Training Standards (Reference)
PIT Classifications
MEWP Classifications
Program Documentation Checklist
Summary
SECTION F
Ongoing Training
Documenting the Requalification Process
Requalification Document Procedures & Samples
Summary
SECTION G
Support Products & Services
TrainTrak™
IVES Update Newsletter
Additional Services for IVES Certified Trainers
SECTION
Powered Mobile Equipment Trainer’s Log
Powered Mobile Equipment Inert (SUP-021 for Standard Forklift (SFL) shown)
SECTION 1
Specific Rules
NFPA Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Type Designations
NFPA Location Classifications
ITA PIT Classifications
Equipment-specific Regulations
SECTION 2
Chapter Review Indexes & Answer Keys
SECTION 3
Lesson Planning
Company/Site-Specific Safety Policies
Storage & Stacking of Product
Composition of Loads & Load Stability
Surface Conditions & Operating Environment
Special Equipment & Work Attachments
Practical Training Exercises/Tasks
Working with a Signal Person
Handling Loads Using Forks
Working with Trailers
Working with Railcars
Traveling on Grades
Standard Forklifts Operator Training Program Lesson Plan
Once again, the introduction of these revised materials does not affect the validity or usefulness of previous version in any way.
We are very proud of our newly revised Trainer’s Manual and feel it is the highest quality publication of its kind in the field of powered mobile equipment training in the industry today.
Should you decide to order one and take advantage of pricing freeze in effect until April 30, we think you’ll agree.
- The IVES Team
Please note that as of January 1, 2026, the passing grade for all Powered Mobile Equipment (PME) Operator Final Written Theory Tests has been revised from 70% to 80%.
This means that PME operator trainees must score at least 8/10, 10/12 or, 12/15, as applicable, on Requalification tests and 16/20 or, where applicable, 20/25 on Initial Training tests, to successfully complete them.
All IVES training materials affected by this change have been revised accordingly although some of our printed materials may continue to list a 70% passing grade for a short time until the affected inventory items are replaced.
This adjustment was made to keep IVES’ training programs in line with industry best practices and the recommended requirements of various accredited educational institutions.
- The IVES team
IVES Training Group is turning 45 in 2026, and we’re celebrating with 15% off Requalification Power Packs!
This limited-time anniversary offer is the first of many monthly sales and contests happening throughout our 45th year.
Throughout 2026, watch for exclusive promotions, and contests! Select orders and completion documents will also include our complimentary 45th Anniversary 13-Month 2026 Wall Calendar (while supplies last), featuring training dates, key holidays, and a preview of upcoming deals.
Keep an eye on your inbox and our social channels so you don’t miss a single 45th-anniversary offer. Thank you for celebrating 45 years with us!
- The IVES team
New details released from an Occupational Safety and Health Administration report show the events that led up to the death of a CEO at a Georgia industrial site in March 2025.
The files are from OSHA’s recently closed investigation into the death of 45-year-old Sunbok You, the CEO of Hyundai subcontractor SBY America. The company was ultimately fined just under $10,000 for his death.
According to OSHA’s findings, You was on the HL-GA Battery Company construction site on March 21 speaking to some of his workers when he decided to walk across the road. He was then struck by the forklift and killed.
The report said You was wearing an eye patch on his right eye as well as a black vest. However, under HL-GA Battery Company rules, he should have been wearing a high-visibility green vest.
Statements given to OSHA by a safety manager, which had to be translated, said the person driving the forklift was talking on the phone while driving. Once he was off the forklift, he “ran away” without checking on You.
The report also said the forklift driver worked for a separate contractor, Beyond Iron Construction.
OSHA opened an investigation into HL-GA Battery Company, SBY America, Beyond Iron Construction and Steel Brothers Development following You’s death. Three of those companies received fines.
Beyond Iron Construction received the largest fine of $16,550. OSHA found the company exposed employees to “struck-by and crushing hazards” and did not ensure forklift operators were following traffic regulations, including speed limits, use of spotters and horn use when vision was obstructed.
SBY America was fined $9,268 for exposing employees to “struck-by and crushing” hazards, which were likely to cause serious injury or death.
HL-GA Battery Company received a $1,800 fine for failing to submit required work-related injury or illness forms to OSHA.
You was not the first person to lose his life during construction of the EV plant and its suppliers. In April 2023, Victor Gamboa died on the megasite after falling 60 feet to his death.
Bryan County EMS records show in a 16-month period there were 53 calls for services at the site, including over a dozen for traumatic injuries. One of these injuries included another forklift accident, while one involved a worker being caught in a conveyor belt.
In March, prior to You’s death, a construction worker on the site went to the hospital after being seriously injured in a pipe explosion.
In May 2025, 27-year-old Allen Kowalski died on the HL-GA Battery construction site after a metal frame fell on him.
OSHA has opened at least 15 investigations into incidents at the site, including You’s death and the March pipe explosion.
Source: WCJB News
Q: Hi Bob,
In my recent re-qualification class, we were instructed that operators will get a new license number every time they re-qualify.
Could you please let me know why we give them new license numbers rather than keeping the original?
A: Great question!
It is our standard that the operator keeps the same number if the original trainer was the same as the person who does the requalification. If they were originally trained by another trainer, then you would give the operator one of your numbers if you requalified them.
"I really loved the time allowed on the equipment. Going through the practical training gave me a true respect to all the operators I will be training."
David F, Loader Group Trainer Certification
"This is one of the most valuable courses I have attended in my career. Thank you IVES for raising the standard!"
Parker S, Custom Program Trainer Certification
"IVES” “Train the Trainer” was an extremely beneficial program to undertake and expand my knowledge as a safety professional."
Zach R, Premium Combo Forklift Trainer Certification
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