Forklift Safety - Why is it so important?
Every year, an alarming number of forklift operators are involved in workplace accidents.
According to the WORKSAFE VICTORIA (Forklift Safety – Reducing the Risk), between January 1985 and January 2003 there were 48 deaths in Victoria associated with forklifts.
Statistics show that collisions with pedestrians and loads falling onto pedestrians were the main contributor and accounted for 56% of the fatalities.
It is recommended that forklifts are segregated from pedestrians by having exclusion zones where forklifts cannot enter areas where there are pedestrians. Then came lateral tip-over as the next main contributor, accounting for 29% of the fatalities within the workplace (refer graph below). These tip-overs occur when a forklift takes a corner too sharp or too fast, increasing the lateral gravitational force of the forklift into a dangerous zone.
If the forklift's centre of gravity shifts outside its three support points, or stability triangle (see below), wheels can lift and the unit can tip over. This can result in serious operator injury, including permanent disability, or even death. Operators must always wear the seatbelt on counterbalanced forklifts.
Workplace Victoria (Forklift Safety - Reducing the Risk)
* Source: WorkCover Victoria website (www.workcover.vic.gov.au)
The Stability Triangle 
In the case of counterbalanced forklifts it is a misconception that the forklift is supported by 4 points i.e. the 4 wheels. In actual fact the steer axle is able to pivot in the centre and therefore, the forklift is supported only at this point on the rear and the two drive wheels at the front. The rear axle is free to pivot around its centre pin.
It is obvious that safety has been a prominent theme throughout the evolution of the forklift. With Toyota, the importance of safety can be seen in the providing of an overhead guard as standard in the '70's, the introduction of the Wide Visible Mast in the '80's, and the introduction of the Operator Restraint Seat (ORS) from the start of 1998. In November 1998, Toyota again revolutionised the concept of forklift safety and productivity with the release of its 7-Series range of forklifts, and their world's first feature of "System of Active Stability" (SAS).
Toyota is a technology leader in forklift safety, with its leading edge system of Active Stability control (SAS) as standard equipment on all 7-Series and 8-Series internal combustion and battery electric models on 4 wheel counterbalanced forklifts.
Why Should You Purchase A Toyota 4-Wheel?
Toyota's World First "System of Active Stability" 
Toyota's System of Active Stability (SAS) is the first system in the world to monitor and control the forklift through a combination of advanced sensors linked to an on-board controller, enabling superb load-handling performance with outstanding safety.
SAS is similar in concept to Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Control Systems, in that it significantly contributes to accident prevention by enhancing control in the stability range of the forklift before it enters into a range of unstable operation.
Toyota has accomplished this function through the synergistic total of seven WORLD FIRST innovations. SAS sensors detect motion during operation and the computer analyses the potential for a tipover. If the computer determines that the potential for a tipover exists, it sends a signal to the appropriate actuators which then operate to minimise the potential for a tipover. All of these innovations are based on the fact that the stability of a forklift changes constantly due to shifts in the balance of the load coupled with the speed and turning rate of the forklift.
Safety Merchandise
Toyota Forklift Safety Video
Pro-Operator Pack - Forklift operator's safety kit video.
The comprehensive 38-minute video looks at various aspects of forklift safety. It incorporates the latest Occupational Health & Safety changes, as well as, current work place best practice requirements including pedestrian exclusion zones and managing forklift stability.
It endevours to show best practice and to take in to account recent legislative changes. Most states now have gone away from prescriptive OH&S legislation to a performance-based management (risk management) and this video is aimed at assisting users of forklifts in this area.
It's a presentation made for operators and users of forklifts.
Recommended Retail Price $35.00 (includes GST). Part No. FLVIDEO
Please note the video "Pro-Operator Pack - Forklift operator's safety kit video" is provided free of charge with every new Toyota counter-balance forklift truck and reach truck.
It's also available on CD.
Recommended Retail Price $25.00 (includes GST). Part No. FLVDVIDEO. Toyota Forklift Safety Training Kit
Pro-Operator Pack - Interactive Forklift operator's safety kit.
The comprehensive kit is aimed at enhancing the complete learning package by bundling the video with self teaching training kit aso with the title of the Pro-operators kit. The kit includes an interactive CD, and learning manual as well as the video. The components are all tied to gether with a comprehensive testing programme that includes all qustions from the current forklift class LF assessment instrument plus other additional critical questions based on current workplace requirements.
These questions are all linked to the 5 critical chapters of the program:
- Knowing your forklift
- Hazard identification
- Pre-operational checks
- Basic safe operation
- Leaving the forklift safely
This programme is arguably one of the most comprehensive and up to date packages available and is available through Toyota Industries nationwide dealer network.
That pack consists of the video, interactive CD, questionnaire and self-teaching guidebook with sections on safety training and risk assessment.
Recommended Retail Price $350.00 (includes GST). Part No. TRAINERSKIT. Skid Steer Loader Safety Video
The skid steer loader safety video is provided free of charge with every new Toyota skid steer loader.
Recommended Retail Price $350.00 (includes GST). Part No. SSLVIDEO.
Toyota is a technology leader in forklift safety, with its leading edge System of Active Stability control (SAS) as standard equipment on all 7-Series and 8-Series internal combustion and battery electric models on 4 wheel counterbalanced forklifts.
