On this very important day, June 14, Hyster Company underscores its commitment to safety by honoring National Forklift Safety Day. Sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), National Forklift Safety Day serves as a focal point for manufacturers to highlight the safe use of forklifts and the importance of operator training. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for the industry to educate customers, the general public and officials about forklift operating safety practices to encourage safer behavior.
“According to the National Safety Council, operator error accounts for 70 percent of forklift accidents, and according to OSHA, this number can be reduced by 30 percent with effective training,” said Lorri Lewis, Brand Manager for Hyster. “These statistics make safety and training measures critical for the materials handling industry, which is why National Forklift Safety Day is so important. At Hyster, reducing accidents and injury rates is a priority. We weave safety into everything we do – from product design and development, to manufacturing process, maintenance and training, safety is a core principle.”
Hyster designs its forklifts with safety in mind, from innovations like adjustable steering columns and electric power steering to ergonomic features that minimize operator fatigue and maximize control. And through its UNISOURCE™ aftermarket program, the company offers a variety of accessories including a rack-mounted Collision Sentry™ solution which notifies operators and pedestrians when motion is detected on the corner of an aisle, a digital camera system that helps provide added visibility during operation, and a Blue Point LED Spot Light which projects a highly visible blue spot on the floor in front, or behind the forklift to alert both operators and pedestrians of oncoming traffic.
At the forefront of forklift operator safety and training, Hyster offers an extensive collection of safety training and awareness materials. It’s award-winning, OSHA-compliant Best-In-Class Operator Training Program covers all five lift truck product classes, and provides all of the tools necessary for comprehensive and tailored operator training. The company recently added “Forklift Safety” and “Pedestrian Safety” posters to the program which offer visual representation of the “do’s” and “don’ts” of safely operating a forklift, and valuable tips for pedestrians interacting in environments where forklifts are in operation. In honor of National Forklift Day, Hyster is currently offering the posters for free on its website.
