The challenge in forklift operation is that from time to time, you have to deal with blind spots around the vehicle, and this narrowing of vision often leads to accidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, between 2011 and 2017, more than 7,000 people were seriously injured each year as a result of forklift accidents, affecting their ability to work for extended periods of time.
One of the main forms of forklift accidents is collisions with accident victims. Additionally, there are instances that involve cargo falling off of forklifts or people becoming trapped between forklifts and walls, among other things. The main cause of these accidents is forklift operators failing to fully understand the conditions surrounding their vehicles and performing operations blindly. After all, the driver needs to pay attention not only to the location of the load, but also to the height of the forklift and its travelling route, which makes the probability of an accident much higher.
When a forklift is loaded with cargo, the view ahead is completely blocked by the cargo, creating many unseen blind spots. This includes not only the load on the forklift, but also intersections and drive-in points that are obscured in the warehouse. In order to improve the safety of the operation, we can install cameras on the forklift’s fork arms, allowing the driver to directly observe the ground in front of him and clearly see any possible obstacles, effectively avoiding accidents.
Even when the forklift is not loaded with cargo, it is difficult for the driver to see clearly what is in front of him. Various attachments, hydraulic hoses and cylinders can become obstacles to vision. With the use of cameras, the driver can have a fuller view of his surroundings, thus minimising the risk of collision.
The use of high-resolution digital cameras, such as the No Delay High Definition Rear View system, allows the operator to clearly see the blind spots at the rear of the forklift truck. The use of digital reversing cameras makes it safer when reversing, while front view cameras can also address the blind spot at the front of the truck. Digital GMSL cameras can further enhance workplace safety due to the higher resolution and better image quality of digital systems compared to analogue systems.
With the introduction of these advanced technologies, we are able to more fully understand and address the potential dangers posed by blind spots around forklift trucks, creating a safer and more efficient working environment for industrial operations. This is an important step towards a new level of operational safety.