DC Velocity talks with National Forklift Safety Day 2016 Chair Jim Radous about the goals of the third annual safety-focused event sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association. Forklift safety will be a hot topic on Capitol Hill again this spring. On June 14, members of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) and others will take part in the organization’s third annual National Forklift Safety Day. This event provides an opportunity for the industry to educate customers, the public, and government officials about the safe use of forklifts and the importance of proper operator training. Safety is one of Washington, D.C.-based ITA’s biggest priorities. The organization, which represents manufacturers of lift trucks, tow tractors, pallet trucks, and automated guided vehicles in North America, promotes international standards for product safety, advances engineering and safety practices, and offers free safety seminars for OSHA personnel. ITA also disseminates statistical information and holds industry forums. ITA says it hopes National Forklift Safety Day will provide greater awareness of safe practices as well as encourage safer behavior in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants. That’s a laudable goal and something that directly affects every environment where forklifts are in use. To learn more about the event, we spoke with James J. Radous III, president of forklift manufacturer UniCarriers Americas Corp. and the National Forklift Safety Day 2016 chair. Here’s what he had to say. Q: What is the purpose of National Forklift Safety Day? A: You asked about NFSD’s purpose, but we think of it more as a mission. That mission is to reduce forklift accidents and to improve operator training. One key to improved operator training, of course, is to increase the awareness of its importance. This year, we expanded the scope to include pedestrian awareness as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor […]