Barry 'Spook' Stang Memorial Scholarship
MTA is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Barry 'Spook' Stang Memorial Scholarship for 2024-2025! This scholarship is for any new or returning student planning on attending a Montana College, University, Trade school or other educational institution. Student must be a dependent of or be employed by an MTA member. Application form can be found below or on our website!
FMCSA Releases New Medical Examiner’s Handbook
More than eight years in the making, federal trucking regulators have finally approved a new — albeit scaled down — version of the 2024 Medical Examiner’s Handbook, aimed at helping medical professionals assess whether a truck driver is healthy or could have a disqualifying medical condition.
Reduced from 260 to 113 pages, it may be a better read, but does it really give a medical examiner better guidance?
Many welcomed its debut late last month, but others in the medical community feel it falls short of its goals. Though it offers the guidance of best medical practices, the handbook fails to offer formal medical rules or requirements, leaving the decision-making up to medical examiners, with the assistance of drivers’ doctors. Read More
What is CVSA Focusing on in 2024 Roadcheck Truck Inspection Blitz?
This year’s annual Roadcheck inspection safety blitz, May 14-16, will focus on tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and mobile patrols. Data from the 72 hours of International Roadcheck will be collected and the results will be released this summer. Read More
Truck Driving Championship
MTA is excited to announce that registration for the 2024 Truck Driving Championship is now open! The championship will be held on June 8th at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out! Click the link below for the registration form!
Rocky Mountain Regional Safety Rendezvous
Will's Safety Tip
Top 10 Forklift Safety Subjects.
1. Get Forklift Certification. Since many accidents are due to poor forklift safety training, it is recommended that only those who are trained and licensed in accordance with OSHA standards be responsible for operating a forklift. Employers should evaluate their employees’ performance at least once every three years and supplement training with forklift safety videos, lectures, software training and demonstrations.
2. Wear Proper Clothing. Forklift operators should be dressed in the appropriate safety equipment, including safety shoes, hard-hats and a high-visibility jacket. Make sure to tuck away loose clothing to prevent it from getting caught on the forklift.
3. Know the Forklift Class. OSHA recognizes many different forklift types and classifications. Since each type has its own structure, weight limit, traveling speed, turning radius and usage, it’s important to know your equipment in order to follow the best safety practices.
4. Inspect the Equipment Daily. You should thoroughly inspect forklifts before every use. Daily checks with the shift supervisor are recommended to identify and log any problems or defects. Any equipment that requires repair should never be operated.
5. Maintain 360° Visibility. Keep forks low to the ground to provide clear forward visibility. If the load restricts your visibility, operate the equipment in reverse. Always ensure you have a good view of the rack when you are positioning the load.
6. Implement a Floor Marking System if you have pedestrians or workers sharing the path.
7. Maintain Equipment Capacity
Be aware of the capacity of your forklift and any attachments used. Avoid hauling weight that exceeds the counterweight of the forklift.
8. Never Carry Extra People
Do not allow other workers to ride on the equipment with you unless a second seat is fitted into the forklift. Do no use the forklift to lift people, as forklifts are designed to carry loads. If you need to lift a person, use only a secure work platform and a forklift safety cage.
9. Pay Attention to the Forklift’s Stability. Before using a forklift, make sure your hands and shoes are completely dry and sit in a comfortable position with all the controls within reach. In addition to seating yourself securely, take the following steps before operating the forklift to increase your safety.
10. Ensure Loads are Stable and Secure. When placing loads on the loading dock, be sure to check them for balance. Travel with the load tilted backward and keep forks as low as possible to increase the stability of the equipment, especially when navigating on ramps. Use ropes or bindings to secure stacks and heavy loads if necessary and make sure any pallets or skids used are the appropriate weight for the load.
Stay Safe!
Upcoming Events
Share the Road- Billings
March 18, 2024 - Senior Highschool
March 19, 2024 - Skyview Highschool
March 21, 2024 - West Highschool
Volunteers/Trucks Needed
Truck Driving Championship
June 8, 2024 - Helena
Annual Convention
September 23-25, 2024 - Missoula