OSHA's Top 10 Citations For Powered Industrial Trucks

OSHA wrote a total of 4,564 violations from October 2001 through September 2003 citing OSHA regulation 1910.178, which pertains to powered industrial trucks.

OSHA regulation 1910.178 demands that all employers who require their workers to operate a powered industrial truck provide training in the safe and proper use of that powered industrial truck through a formal training class that consists of classroom and hands-on training. Also, operators must be trained on each type of forklift they are required to operate.

Of the 4,564 violations that were written, 2,879 of them were cited against 1910.178(L), or operator training. While OSHA did not break down exactly which violations in 1910.178(L) were cited, it’s safe to say that a lack of training got the most violations. Simply put, you have to train your operators or face a possible citation from OSHA. These fines can vary on their amount, with a willful or repeat violation bringing anywhere up to $70,000. Here is how the rest of list breaks down:

*The capital letter in parentheses next to the violations references the paragraph in 1910.178 Appendix A, subpart N, where it specifically refers to the violation that was committed.

These topics above and many others are covered in depth in our Train-the-Trainer course that is conducted at your facility or ours. We can develop one or more of your employees into trainers and help take the confusion out of this type of training. This will help your company to conduct operator training when your need arises, such as: training new hires, three-year refresher training, or refresher training after an accident occurs.

Toyota Introduces 8 Series

Once again, Toyota innovation and engineering have come together to set a new standard in the lift truck industry! The new 8-Series offers major advancements that will enhance every aspect of forklift operation. The result: a safer workplace and more productive operators.

The 8-Series is Toyota’s most durable lift truck yet, thanks to a list of heavy-duty improvements. Safety was equally important in the development of the 8-Series, which features the exclusive System of Active Stability, monitoring and controlling the lift truck’s operations to help reduce the risk of tipovers.

Of the many 8-Series enhancements, the most significant is improved ergonomics for the operator. You will immediately notice the extensive amount of available legroom and foot space. As drivers settle comfortably into the full suspension seat, the improved visibility is immediately evident. The low profile cowl, uncluttered dash, high-visibility overhead guard design and wide-view mast improvements all work together to provide the best visibility in the market today.

Other 8-Series improvements in Performance, Operability and Serviceability add to the benefits of the enhanced design.

The new 8-Series features an exclusive emissions system that not only surpasses 2007 Federal EPA standards, but also meets California’s stringent 2010 emission standards – three years early. The result is a new line of lift trucks that produce 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the 2007 standard.

For more information on the new 8-Series from Toyota, please contact your local Thompson and Johnson representative to see why eight is the new number one!!

Welcome to T&J's New Employees

We’ve had quite a few additions since the last “New Employee” announcement. Please join us in welcoming the following employees:

In Elmira, Matt Warner was hired for our Parts Department.

In Syracuse, Andy Barber and John Rogers were hired as Mechanics. Bob Burr is now our Salesman for our customers in the Northern Counties of our Syracuse Office.

In Albany, Richard Crowunse was hired in our Parts Department. The Service Department hired Jeremy Mann, Ray Salisbury, Jamie Victorio and Wes Staulters to help us keep up with a growing number of customers.

We continue to look for Mechanics for our Syracuse, Endwell and Albany locations. We are also looking for Salesmen for both our Albany and Syracuse locations.