safety Archives | Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc.

The threat of a tipover is a frightening thought for anyone operating a forklift. OSHA reports that 42% of all forklift fatalities are caused by tipovers. The areas in which forklifts are operated are oftentimes unpredictable and can force operators into difficult situations. Fortunately, the incredible engineers at Toyota developed a solution to help mitigate these problems and protect forklift drivers.

In 1999 Toyota introduced the System of Active Stability (SAS) and all 4-wheel Toyota forklifts have been equipped with SAS to this day. SAS is able to take over 3,000 readings per second to detect any unsafe operating conditions. If unsafe conditions are detected, the system then activates one of its two main features to improve the stability of the forklift.

The first of these features is the Active Control Rear Stabilizer System. This feature is able to quickly lock the rear axle of the forklift and in turn convert the lift’s triangular stability pattern into a rectangular pattern. This change reduces the risk of a lateral tipover and keeps the forklift as stable as possible.

The second feature of SAS is the Active Mast Function Control System. This feature focuses on the longitudinal stability of the forklift and is able to detect the load weight and extended mast height. The system then deploys forward tilt control or rear-tilt control and reduces the tilt speed of the mast by half of its unrestricted speed. With the mast under control, the threat of a front or back tipover is greatly decreased.

Both of these features work in unison to keep the forklift at optimal stability. While SAS works to prevent lateral and longitudinal tipovers, Toyota also has plenty of other innovative safety features for other hazards in the workplace. Including devices such as welded overhead guards, operator restraint systems, manually operated horns, skid-resistant entry/exit steps, and operator assist grips. These safety devices along with proper training and maintenance will help to prevent a large number of accidents in your business.

SAS is unique to Toyota forklifts and is one of the reasons why Toyota continues to be a leader in material handling safety. The system requires very little maintenance and only needs a 30-second check after every 250 hours of use. At an average maintenance cost of $17 per year, if SAS was able to prevent just one tipover, it would pay for itself more than 1,000 times. SAS is an incredible feature that comes standard on all 4-wheel Toyota forklifts, and it will help keep you and your employees safe

Learn more about our 4-wheel forklifts at: https://sielift.com/new-industrial-equipment/toyota-forklift/ic-cushion-forklifts/mid-ic-cushion-forklifts/

When it comes to your business, safety should always be the number one priority. Safety is the key to creating and maintaining a productive and profitable working environment.

Under what’s known as the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) employers are responsible for maintaining a work environment free from conditions that might cause death or injury. Employers whose workplace present dangerous conditions risk violating the General Duty Clause unless they take measures to lessen the danger. If that’s not scary enough, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported there are 19,000 forklift/pedestrian incidents each year. On average, those incidents cost employers $38,000 in direct expenses and almost four times as much for indirect costs.

Southeast Industrial Equipment offers an affordable safety package complete with fire extinguishers, back-up alarms, and strobe lights. Together, these inexpensive additions are a great way to help reduce the chances of forklift accidents.

Fire Extinguishers

While OSHA does not require forklifts to be equipped with fire extinguishers, quick access to one can be the difference between life and death! Fire extinguishers are an especially wise option on LP-Gas forklifts operated in areas containing flammable liquids.

Back-up Alarms and Strobe Lights

Workers die every year from being backed over by vehicles. From 2005 -2010, forklifts ranked fourth in the number of these fatalities. Back-up alarms are one of the most valuable tools for preventing forklift injuries and fatalities. While some back-up alarms automatically adjust their volume to be greater than the ambient noise of the facility, workers can become immune to repetitive sounds. Some PPE dampens noise, further limiting the effectiveness of the alarm. This means back-up alarms are best used in conjunction with visual alarms, like strobe lights or blue lights.

Strobe lights on forklifts let everyone in the vicinity know that a truck is present. The flashing lights provide a visual warning system alerting employees of the whereabouts of the truck. In work environments where noise levels are elevated and back-up alarms might go unnoticed, lights provide an additional layer of protection to employees.

Blue Safety Lights

If you’re truly committed to safety, consider upgrading to the blue safety light. The blue light shines on the floor in front of or behind the truck, telling pedestrians not just where the truck is, but where it’s going. Most importantly, the blue light can be seen around corners and blind spots, drastically reducing potential for collisions.

“It is better to be safe than sorry.” It’s cliché because it’s true. When it comes to protecting your business and employees, you can never be too safe. Contact SIE today to discuss how we can help you protect your employees and your business.

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc.

Category: safety

Toyota SAS: Forklift Safety You Can Trust

You Can Never Be Too Safe – The Benefits of Safety Equipment.

When it comes to your business, safety should always be the number one priority. Safety is the key to creating and maintaining a productive and profitable working environment.