Toyota Core Electric Forklift

Reading a Forklift Data Tag

“We almost had a forklift tip-over yesterday when an operator lifted a load that was too heavy for the forklift. How can we educate our operators about the forklift’s capacity?” Forklift operators must know how to read a data tag. The information on the tag is very important because it features unique capacity details for […]

seat belt extender

Weight Limits for Forklift Operators

What are the weight limits for forklift operators that drive a Toyota Forklift? For a Toyota Forklift, there is not a weight limit for forklift operators. However, optional forklift features such as retractable seat belts, adjustable seat positions and tilt columns can accommodate various body types. Federal Law Regulation Physical size may limit some forklift […]

forklift bulldozing

Is Forklift Bulldozing a Violation of OSHA Federal Law?

Forklift bulldozing is the act of using the tips of the forks on a forklift to push a heavy load. It is a practice often frowned upon for its many safety hazards. Forklift Bulldozing Safety Hazards Visibility is lost, putting the forklift operator and pedestrians at risk for an impact Loads are not safely arranged, […]

aerial lockout tagout

The Basics of Aerial Lift Lockout Tagout

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are a complex and varied subject for heavy equipment and material handling. Aerial lifts are one of the more difficult subjects for this safety requirement. Because aerial lifts are varied in controls, application and design, laying out a single procedure to fit all machines would prove difficult. For example, a truck-mounted aerial […]

toyota sas

Active Mast Function Controller

“Our new Toyota forklifts have a fork leveler button. Can older forklift models be retrofit with this feature?” Toyota Forklift SAS The active mast function controller (AMC) was introduced by Toyota Forklift in 1999 as part of its System of Active Stability (SAS). With a push of a button, the AMC automatically levels forks. This […]

forklift operator training

4 Tips to Enhance Your Forklift Safety Training Program

Your company lists safety as a top priority for employees. The commitment has been there for years, agreed upon throughout the workplace and supported by management. However, while you know that no one wants to be injured, the topic of forklift safety gets lost in the fast-paced work environment. How can you enhance your current […]

Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift image

Age Requirement to Operate a Forklift

What is the age requirement to operate a forklift? There are several guidelines to follow when hiring youth workers between the ages of 14-17 years old; however, regulation 29 CFR 570.58 specifically prohibits employees under the age of 18 years old to operate a forklift. Forklift Youth Labor Laws In May 2002, the website YouthRules […]

osha accident report

OSHA Accident Reporting

If a forklift accident occurred at your facility today, would you be required to report it? Per its standard 29 CFR 1904, OSHA requires employers to maintain logs of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. In January 2015, changes were implemented that revised the list of industries exempt from recordkeeping regulations. OSHA Events that must be […]

pedestrian blue light

Safe-Lite Forklift Pedestrian Warning Spotlight

Which forklift option is currently trending? The Safe-Lite Forklift Pedestrian Warning Spotlight became a popular forklift “add on” during 2015 and its trend continues. Its main purpose is to avoid collisions between forklifts and pedestrians. By projecting a blue LED light 10-20 feet ahead of the forklift, pedestrians are alerted to nearby traffic. Forklifts and […]

Toyota Stand-Up Electric Forklift

Forklift Safety: OSHA General Duty Clause

Business practices and technology change rapidly for all industries, including forklifts and material handling, making it impossible for OSHA to have a guideline for every work-related situation. To fill in the gaps for hazardous violations that aren’t outlined, OSHA references the General Duty Clause. The OSHA General Duty Clause states: a)      Each employer – Shall […]

High efficiency lighting installation image

Aerial Lift Safety: Minimum Handrail Height

What is the aerial lift minimum handrail height? Fall protection requirements for handrail systems require a minimum height of 42”, plus or minus 3”. If an operator steps up on the rails or toe boards the operator will not have proper handrail height for their body. Unfortunately, many Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) professionals are […]

high efficiency lighting

Lighting Requirements For Your Warehouse and Forklift Operation

Have you ever walked through a dark warehouse? It can be intimidating. That feeling occurs because the risk to your well-being is real. An electric forklift, which is designed to operate quietly, traveling at a high speed, may not be noticed … until it strikes you. OSHA Warehouse Lighting Requirements Per OSHA, companies are required […]