Vehicles in operation hold a vital position in our everyday industrial endeavors. Yet, when these vehicles traverse areas inhabited by fellow workers or drivers, they become a significant hazard, frequently resulting in grave workplace accidents. And drivers aren’t often to blame. However, there are certain steps you can take to ensure even more accident-proofing is done in your facility.
Today, we present a set of fundamental guidelines to effectively reduce these risks and mitigate the impact of industrial vehicles on pedestrians.
You're probably wondering what the blind spots have to do with speed. Surprisingly, it is more relevant than you might anticipate. The famous phrase speed kills isn't limited to formula racing or other sports. It directly correlates with blind spots in the context of forklifts.
The higher your speed, the greater the likelihood of traversing through blind spots. By reducing the speed of your forklift, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that those blind spots aren't as blind anymore. And if you need to halt to ensure no obstructions or individuals are in a blind spot, do not hesitate to apply the brakes!
Navigating blind spots, whether they are regular blind spots or forklift blind corners, can pose a challenge even to those with two functioning eyes. However, when you have the power of four eyes combined, these blind spots don't stand a chance. To ensure optimal safety regarding blind spots, it is crucial to always have a co-worker acting as your lookout. When transporting cargo through a blind spot, having a buddy by your side can make a significant difference. They can alert pedestrians in the area, block off potential hazards, or provide guidance through tight spaces.
The importance of the buddy system in eliminating blind spots on forklifts cannot be overstated. In 2014, an OSHA audit received widespread attention as it emphasised the value of implementing a buddy system for forklift drivers in a food warehouse.
Chances are, you've encountered those distinctive bubble-shaped mirrors on the roads, providing drivers with enhanced visibility. Surprisingly, these mirrors also prove to be valuable assets in dockyards, warehouses, construction sites, and other locations where industrial equipment is in operation. If there's a glaring blind spot in your vicinity, it's worth discussing the installation of an indoor safety mirror with your supervisor.
However, it's crucial to bear in mind an essential aspect concerning safety mirrors on forklifts - they should not replace traditional blind spot-checking methods such as looking over your shoulder and utilising the buddy system. These mirrors serve as an additional aid, complementing the established practices to ensure comprehensive safety.
Vigilant surveillance of the premises plays a vital role in preventing forklift accidents. Cameras can capture incidents that may go unnoticed by human observers, and it is advisable to have appropriate monitoring equipment in place — in the event of an accident, the situation can be thoroughly analysed, and necessary measures can be implemented to prevent its recurrence.
We highly recommend investing in video equipment specifically designed for hazardous environments. SharpEagle's forklift safety camera solutions are an excellent choice as they can operate in various dangerous conditions, including fire, dusty spaces, and more. Having such reliable and resilient equipment as a close ally is an absolute necessity.
By maintaining a constant watch over the work zone and prioritising the safety of forklift operators, you can significantly enhance driver protection. Continuous monitoring allows for swift responses to potential hazards or obstructions, effectively mitigating the risk of accidents. CCTV footage serves as a valuable tool in safeguarding drivers against false accusations, as it provides concrete evidence of the actual events that unfolded during an incident.
Red and blue safety lights provide distinct advantages for forklifts and workplaces. Red lights are designed to have a minimal visual impact on operators, ensuring they remain focused and can readily identify potential hazards. The universally recognized cautionary nature of red signals prompts swift and reliable responses to warnings.
On the other hand, blue lights are highly visible and effective in marking hazards and equipment, facilitating quick clearance when needed. They enable easy identification of machinery and equipment, streamlining workflow and minimising confusion. The low visual impact of blue lights helps prevent operator distractions, reducing the likelihood of errors. Moreover, their lower brightness assists camera systems in effectively detecting workplace hazards.
Both red and blue safety lights play crucial roles in enhancing forklift operations and promoting overall workplace safety.
Read more: How To Prevent Pedestrian Injuries While Driving a Forklift?
Pedestrians are always given a priority when it comes to warehouse traffic. However, several factors can make following this rule difficult. That's why it is recommended for forklift drivers to prioritise observing the path ahead, whether they are moving forward or in reverse. Proper floor signage is essential, but beyond that, drivers, especially new ones, should develop a heightened sense of awareness regarding traffic and busy areas. It is crucial to always follow established traffic regulations to ensure safety for everyone involved.
Prioritising safety in forklift operations is essential to minimise accidents and protect both drivers and pedestrians. By following the guidelines discussed in this article, such as reducing speed, using a spotter, installing safety mirrors, implementing surveillance cameras, utilising forklift lights, and adhering to traffic regulations, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced.
These measures enhance visibility, promote effective communication, and provide evidence in case of incidents. Ultimately, by incorporating these safety measures, we can create a safer working environment for all involved in industrial operations.
Need an extra measure of precaution? Check out our forklift safety solutions!
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