National Forklift Safety Day is an annual event started by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) to bring awareness to the preventable forklift accidents that happen every year – mainly due to improper training, lack of information and carelessness. The statistics are scary: Nearly 20,000 workers in the U.S. alone are injured in these accidents every year.
This year, the event is scheduled for June 11 and Madland Toyota-Lift, in conjunction with Toyota Forklifts and other Toyota forklift dealers across the nation – is offering no-cost forklift safety consultations for customers. Forklift safety is an important topic and should be the number one priority of anyone using a forklift or supervising the use of forklifts. Please contact us to schedule your free forklift safety consultation.
What Is Forklift Safety?
Forklift safety is learning how to safely operate and be around this type of heavy equipment. It's not only recommended that those who operate forklifts learn their safe and proper usage, it's required by law. As a forklift owner or someone who supervises forklift operators, your main focus is making sure everyone goes home after their shift – safe and sound.
OSHA
OSHA regulates and has specific rules regarding forklift operator training and licensing. Employers must provide forklift training that meets or exceeds OSHA standards for anyone who operates a forklift.
- Operators must be over the age of 18
- Operators must be recertified once every three years
- Businesses must develop and enforce a written program
- Operators cannot be certified through an online course or by watching a video
- Instruction includes lectures, discussions, written materials, demonstrations and exercises
- Operators must receive a thorough evaluation of job performance
- Operators must perform a daily checklist including a vehicle inspection before they begin their shift
Toyota Safety
Our Toyota forklifts are designed to meet and exceed the requirements of the American National Standards Institute and OSHA. When you purchase a Toyota forklift from Madland Toyota-Lift, you can be assured that you are getting standard safety features on most models that include welded overhead guards, operator restraint systems, manually operated horns, skid resistant steps, Toyota's System of Active Stability (SAS) and ergonomic placement of hydraulic controls.