Tree Top's Selah facility

Selah, Washington-based farmer co-operative Tree Top, Inc has been named the winner of Raymond Handling Concepts Corporation's Safety Show Offs contest that took place in honour of National Forklift Safety Day 2018.

Sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), National Forklift Safety Day brings together forklift manufacturers, dealers and operators with the common goal of reducing accidents by increasing awareness and highlighting the need for ongoing operator training as equipment and technology changes, the importance of daily inspections, and performing scheduled maintenance to ensure the equipment is maintained in a safe working condition. Other precautions, such as safe controls to increase pedestrian awareness of moving equipment, are equally important.

Tree Top took the initiative to increase awareness of moving forklifts and direction of travel by installing blue lights on all its forklifts which illuminate when the trucks are in reverse. This gives both the operator as well as anyone in the immediate area a clear visual of where the truck is and where it is going. In addition, Tree Top requires anyone in the warehouse to wear high visibility vests for added safety.

After reviewing several customers' submitted photos and statements on how they promote a safe workplace, Tree Top was selected as the winner by implementing a dual-step measure to increase safety. This commitment underscores why National Forklift Safety Day continues to be a key industry focus.

Founded in 1960 in the heart of Washington's apple country, Tree Top has more than 1,000 growers and produces wholesome products including top-quality juices, sauces and premium ingredients. The company markets and sells its fruit-based ingredients and products to food and beverage manufacturers, to the foodservice industry and to consumers via grocery and other retail stores, clubs and outlets.