Toyota’s second forklift challenge event has been won by Kirstie Downie, the first female entrant to tackle the course
The first female competitor to compete in the Toyota Forklift Challenge has taken out the second running of the event, besting nine other competitors in navigating Perth’s Market City course.
Representing WA Crates, Kirstie Downie was awarded the highest number of points for demonstrating safe forklift driving techniques while manoeuvring the obstacles, receiving a $500 gift card for her success.
Also standing on the podium, and receiving a gift card prize, was second-placed Charles Spargo from Bullfrog International and third-placed Taylor Grant from Etherington.
“Safety is our number one priority and it’s pleasing to see the keen interest from the audience and participants in this event,” Perth Market Authority CEO Stephen Ward says.
“I’d like to congratulate the winners; it’s a great achievement to be crowned Market City’s best forklift driver for 2015.”
The challenge put drivers on a Toyota 8-Series 8FG18 counterbalance forklift, which the manufacturer says improves stability and lowers the chance of lateral tip-overs thanks to a System of Active Stability feature.
“Initiatives like the Toyota Forklift Challenge are a practical way to get all the drivers thinking about workplace safety, not just the 10 finalists,” Toyota Material Handling Australia WA branch manager Lance Cross says.
“All the tenants and staff here at Perth Market City have really embraced the event.
“We put on a sausage sizzle and hundreds of staff came down to have a look and cheer on their respective teammates.”
To compete in the final, the contestants were selected as the best responders to a safe forklift driving habit questionnaire.