What must employees receive before operating equipment?

Employees must receive thorough training in safe operation techniques before operating equipment to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. This training provides crucial information on how to properly use the equipment, understand its controls, and identify potential hazards associated with its operation. Without adequate training, employees may lack the skills and knowledge necessary to operate the equipment safely, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

While authorization from a supervisor is important for accountability and ensuring that individuals are permitted to operate certain machinery, it does not replace the need for comprehensive training. Similarly, while a physical strength assessment may be beneficial in certain contexts to determine whether an employee can handle a specific piece of equipment, it is not a substitute for training on its operation. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for safety but, like the authorization and strength assessment, does not address the critical need for proper operational training. Therefore, the foundational requirement for safe equipment operation is thorough training in safe operation techniques.