As industries increasingly prioritise safety in their operations, ensuring the wellbeing of employees is more important than ever. However, despite the growing emphasis on safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment remains a critical challenge across industries.

Alarming incident statistics in South Africa's material handling sector highlight the daily risks workers face. While unsafe conditions contribute to only 10% of incidents, it is the actions, or inaction, of employees that are responsible for a staggering 88% of all incidents1.

Forklifts and powered industrial trucks - crucial for moving heavy loads and enhancing efficiency - are among the most dangerous equipment on-site. Every week, an average of two construction workers lose their lives, with unsafe employee behaviour cited as the cause of 80% of these tragic accidents1.

Brent Light, National Product Manager at Toyota Material Handling (TMH), a division of CFAO Equipment SA, emphasises the company's commitment to addressing the inherent dangers in material handling and warehousing, and the equipment solutions used.

"Understanding the gravity of the risks involved in the material handling and warehousing industry, TMH is committed to ensuring that safety standards are never compromised. To us, safety isn’t merely an add-on, but a foundational aspect across our equipment design."

With safety in mind, TMH forklifts and warehousing equipment come equipped with innovative features such as the proprietary System of Active Stability (SAS), which enhances operability and minimises risks in environments that inherently involve heavy machinery and products. 

“Comprising an Active Control Rear Stabiliser and an Active Mast Function Controller, the SAS system is designed to significantly enhance forklift safety,” adds Light. “The Active Control Rear Stabiliser System utilises patented technology to detect factors that could lead to lateral instability. When such conditions are identified, the SAS system instantly locks the Swing Lock Cylinder, a hydraulic component on the rear steer axle. This action shifts the forklift’s stability footprint from a triangular to a rectangular shape, reducing the likelihood of a tip-over.”

Similarly, the Active Mast Function Controller System employs the same technology to address longitudinal instability. It activates two crucial features: forward tilt control and rear tilt speed control. The forward tilt control automatically adjusts the operator's manual input based on load weight and mast height, limiting forward tilt to prevent spills or forward tip-overs. Additionally, the rear tilt control governs the mast's reverse tilt speed, cutting it in half when needed to avoid spilling unsecured loads or tipping the forklift backwards.

Expanding its commitment to safety, TMH integrates advanced optional technologies, such as the SEnS+ Smart Environment Sensor Plus™ camera, specifically designed to enhance forklift operations.

“This cutting-edge system detects objects and pedestrians within its range, providing timely alerts through warning buzzers and lights,” explains Light. “The SEnS+ system supports safe operation by automatically controlling the forklift's travelling speed, slowing down the truck when pedestrians or objects are detected under certain conditions. With its intuitive audible notifications, featuring three distinct levels based on obstacle proximity, and its ability to manage truck speed without the need for additional detection tags, SEnS+ ensures that safety measures are both comprehensive and user-friendly.”

TMH was also the first manufacturer to standardise high-visibility seat belts across all machinery. This feature makes it easy to spot when operators are wearing their seat belts and includes an interlock function that prevents the machine from accelerating or lifting without the seat belt being engaged.

“Our proactive approach to safety includes comprehensive load testing services, which ensure all equipment meets South African regulations. This annual certification process is similar to a roadworthy certificate for vehicles, ensuring that all forklifts operate at the required safety standards,” adds Light.

Believing that safety extends beyond the equipment features, TMH embarks on continuous training and education for operators. Its in-house training certifies drivers from beginner to expert, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to operate machines safely and efficiently. This training is complemented by equipment familiarisation sessions that introduce drivers to the specific safety features of each machine.

TMH’s dedication to innovation is aligned with its global commitment to sustainability. With a core focus on sustainability, the company’s advancement in lithium-ion technology exemplifies this commitment, showcasing a dual focus on enhancing operational safety and advancing environmental sustainability. By integrating lithium-ion batteries into its equipment, TMH not only improves energy efficiency and reduces maintenance costs but also supports broader sustainability goals by minimising carbon emissions and extending the lifespan of battery resources.

“Beyond the sale and rental of new and pre-owned equipment, at TMH, we place safety at the heart of everything we do. With a legacy spanning 40 years, our mission is to ensure that every piece of equipment we provide not only meets but exceeds safety standards, safeguarding those who use it and those around them,” concludes Light.