National Safety Month: Staying Safe with ASVs in the Workplace

This June, we wanted to highlight the importance of National Safety Month, which is a dedicated time to prioritize safety in all aspects of the workplace. It’s an opportunity to refresh our knowledge, reinforce best practices, and commit to a safer environment for everyone. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on an essential piece of equipment with safety features that not all skid steer loaders and track loaders have: All Seasons Vehicles (ASVs).

Why Focus on ASV Equipment?

ASV equipment, like track loaders, play a vital role in warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial worksites. These machines are designed not just for power and performance, also with built-in features to help keep operators and bystanders safe. As ASVs become more common, it’s important to follow helpful reminders and safety tips to ensure your operation runs smoothly and efficiently. Let’s take a closer look at how to make the most of your ASV equipment while keeping safety top of mind.

ASV Safety and Awareness:

AVS equipment has been increasingly used for transporting materials, scanning inventory, or assisting in repetitive tasks. While they’re efficient and reliable, they require us to adjust how we think about safety. One standout model from the Quality Equipment lineup is the VT-100 Forestry. Designed with safety in mind, this machine comes equipped with special poly doors that, unlike glass, won’t shatter if hit by flying debris. As one of our product specialist explains:

“It keeps workers safe from flying debris, you’re not at risk of knocking out your teeth or getting hurt by shattered glass. The poly doors and windows are super thick and very hard to break.”

This level of detail reinforces how these machines are designed not just for efficiency but also for operator and bystander safety.

Enhanced Safety Features for Maximum Operator Protection:

In addition, the VT-100F has redesigned escape doors; this safety feature used to be located at the back, which is ironically where a fire is most likely to start. Now, the escape hatch is on top, providing a safer, quicker route out in an emergency. Beyond that, ASV has packed in several other thoughtful safety features to keep operators protected. It includes air conditioning to help prevent overheating on long, hot workdays, and a backup camera so the operator can stay aware of what’s behind you at all times. There’s also an emergency arm release that lets you lower the arm and exit even if the machine loses power, plus a special tool mounted inside that can break the glass if you need to make a quick escape. Together, these features reflect ASV’s commitment to both performance and operator safety.

Essential Safety Guidelines for the Workplace:

Even with these smart design upgrades, we play a crucial role in keeping the workplace safe around ASVs. Here’s what we all need to remember:

Stay Alert: Even with advanced sensor ASV's they still rely on smart human behavior. Avoid walking too chose or crossing suddenly in front of a moving machine.

Keep Aisles Clear: Clear, unobstructed pathways help ASVs operate smoothly and avoid unnecessary stops or errors.

Report Issues Promptly: If you notice an ASV malfunctioning or behaving oddly, report it to the service department immediately.

Respect Designated Zones: Avoid stepping into areas marked for operation unless you’re authorized and it’s necessary.

Never Bypass Safety Systems: Tampering with sensors or controls isn’t just against the rules, it can lead to serious accidents.

Safety isn’t just about rules, it’s about awareness. Giving equipment the space needed to operate and staying alert around them helps keep everyone safe. Your actions make a difference. During National Safety Month and every month, staying vigilant around machinery helps ensure that we all go home safe at the end of the day.

Let’s use this month as a reminder: Safety is everyone’s job, every day.