Forklift accidents have been the top reported accidents in many countries. The most common forklift accidents include tipping, loads falling, knocking over pedestrians and collisions. Among forklift collision accidents, many of them occurred due to blind spots where the forklift operator had a limited or obstructed view of the area around. Blind spots can occur when the forklift is loaded or unloaded at intersections, corners, doorways and many more. Here are some examples of the blind spots.

Unloaded Forklift

Loaded Forklift

Turning Corner

Turning Corner

So, here’s the thing. How do we address forklift blind spots to avoid accidents?

Here are some recommendations for you to address blind spots:

1. Stay Alert

For operators or personnel, it’s easy to become complacent as you perform the tasks in your plant daily. Therefore, it often happens that operators assume that everything will be ok or ‘I’m familiar with the area’, which leads to reduced awareness and caution. It became the root cause of many accidents.

2. Always Slow Down

Speeding is the other root cause of many accidents. It may happen because the operators are unaware of the speed limit, or they tend to neglect it. However, travelling at high speed raises the risks and gives the operator or pedestrian no time to react when things happen.

3. Warning Signage

Safety signage acts as a helpful reminder; however, sign blindness is the key issue. Workers who perform tasks in the plant daily tend to get used to or ignore the warning signs. Therefore, changing the signage regularly and making them stand out could grab worker’s attention and, as a result, raise awareness for safety.

4. Using Equipment

A horn or a wall mirror will help to alert both the forklift operator and pedestrians and assist the operator by providing them with better sight at the corners or intersections. Other equipment, such as corner sensors or proximity alarms, could help to address blind spots, too.

Corner Sensor

In an intersection, when a forklift is turning, especially a loaded forklift, it’s difficult for the operator to check and confirm it’s clear to go. With the help of a Corner Sensor, it beeps when motions are detected from both sides. This will help alert both the operator and the pedestrian to watch out or stop, hence, significantly reducing the risk of collision.

Proximity Alarm

The Anti-Collision Proximity Sensor Alarm System measures the distance at all times and simultaneously creates an invisible barrier to actively detect forklifts or pedestrians who exist in a hazardous area to reduce the likeliness of a collision.

Not sure what the risks are, where in your plant is dangerous?
Why not let us help you find out?
Contact us for a consultation or a site visit so we can find the best solution to reduce risk and enhance safety in your plant.