Intelligent technology is being used to reduce the number of accidents caused by the use of forklifts. Proximity warning devices using RFID (radio frequency identification) technology are helping to solve the problems of limited visibility and blind areas in handling areas.
The data of the past three years show that 43% of the incidents involving forklifts are collisions with others. Among them, about 65% are pedestrians, 20% are colleagues and 15% are delivery drivers who watch or assist in loading and unloading vehicles.
"Warehouses, distribution centers, seaports and airports can be challenging environments with many hazards to manage. The presence of ground staff and pedestrians has made these areas particularly difficult to ensure safety," said Emily Hardy, a vehicle safety expert and marketing manager at brigade electronics of brigade electronics, which makes the equipment
Zonesafe technology uses on-board antennas to communicate with detection tags that can be worn by workers, set in restricted areas or placed on objects or property.
When the tag enters the detection area, the vehicle operator will automatically receive visual and audible alarms through the in vehicle control unit, which will enable them to take the necessary actions. Tags worn by walking workers also vibrate to warn approaching vehicles. Because RFID technology does not need line of sight, tags can be detected no matter what obstacles, blind spots, bad weather conditions or poor visibility. Each tag can be uniquely identified and associated with an individual.
Emily hardy added: "it provides fast, reliable and accurate data exchange with no limit on the number of tags or antennas in operation, making it the perfect choice for large areas such as warehouses and distribution centers. Driver training is clearly the key to ensuring that safety standards are followed. However, vehicle safety technology can add additional safety and security to operators who are keen to ensure that their workplaces are free of danger."
