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Stay up to date with the latest forklift industry news, insights, and updates from Toyota.

Stay up to date with the latest forklift industry news, insights, and updates from Toyota.

Stay up to date with the latest forklift industry news, insights, and updates from Toyota.

Stay up to date with the latest forklift industry news, insights, and updates from Toyota.

National Forklift Safety Day: A Q&A with Tom Lego

Posted: June 03, 2025
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Workplace safety isn’t just about following rules—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels protected and prepared. We sat down with Toyota Material Handling's Brand Ambassador, Tom Lego, to gain insight into safe forklift use, Toyota's involvement in National Forklift Safety Day, and the key initiatives taken to promote safe behaviors in the workplace.

1. We are focusing in part on the upcoming Forklift Safety Day. Could you explain Toyota’s role in marking this day?

“Our focus for this year’s National Forklift Safety Day is ‘Every Move Matters’. It’s a timely reminder that safety isn’t defined by a single action, but by a series of everyday decisions that add up to promoting a safer workplace. At Toyota Material Handling, we believe promoting forklift safety starts with awareness and extends to the training, tools, and culture that reinforce safe practices at every level.

 

Toyota has proudly supported National Forklift Safety Day since its inception. For over a decade, we’ve used this day to advocate for operator education, highlight emerging best practices, and reinforce the importance of making safety a shared responsibility across the material handling industry.

 

Whether it’s encouraging seatbelt use, maintaining proper speeds, or simply staying alert, the message is clear – every move behind the wheel makes a difference. We’re proud to continue our leadership in promoting safety awareness and supporting our partners with resources that help reinforce safe behaviors throughout the year.”

2. As automation and AI shifts the makeup of warehouses, safety considerations are evolving in some ways but in other respects are staying constant. How do you see safety for Toyota products developing? What concerns and questions do you hear from your contacts about safety needs in the current environment?

"Safety has always been a foundational priority for Toyota — it’s not a box we check, it’s a principle that shapes our product design, our innovation strategy, and how we support our customers. As automation and AI continue to evolve the warehouse environment, what’s changing is the context, but not our commitment.

 

While automation and AI introduce new capabilities, they also bring new considerations, especially around how people and technology interact. We’re seeing strong interest from our partners in solutions that help promote safer operations and situational awareness.

 

At Toyota, we’re committed to developing technologies and training that promote a culture of safety and support our customers in navigating this changing landscape. Whether it’s through automation, data insights, or operator education, our role is to be a partner in helping businesses adapt and thrive responsibly."

3. Any general suggestions for maintaining a safe work environment?

“Maintaining a safe work environment starts with consistency – not just in policies, but in mindset. Safety isn’t just a checklist – it’s a culture. And building that culture means staying proactive, not reactive.

 

My general advice is to make safety part of your everyday routine. Take the time to do thorough pre-operation checks. Speak up when you see something that doesn’t look right. Encourage peer-to-peer accountability and celebrate safe behaviors. It’s also important to provide regular training and refreshers, not just when something goes wrong, but as a standard practice.

 

Again, Every Move Matters. Whether it's buckling a seatbelt or scanning your surroundings, small actions can make a big impact. By staying alert, respecting the equipment, and looking out for one another, everyone can play a role in promoting a safer environment —no matter what industry you’re in.”

 From encouraging open communication to leveraging new technologies, the path to a safer workplace is built on everyday actions and shared responsibility. As you reflect on the insights shared here, consider how you can make safety a more visible, active part of your team's daily routine. 

 

To learn more about how you can incorporate safety best practices in your facility, contact your authorized Toyota Dealer

 

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