Forklift blind spots are a persistent safety challenge in any workplace. Despite advancements in technology, blind spots remain a significant risk factor for incidents. This article explores strategies for managing these blind spots to enhance safety.
Where Are Forklift Blind Spots?
Put simply, forklift blind spots are areas around the machine that the operator cannot see directly. These are primarily caused by the design of the forklift, including the mast, load, and the operator’s seating position. The most common blind spots occur at the rear, sides, and sometimes even the front, depending on the load size and height. These blind spots can obscure pedestrians, other machines, and obstacles, increasing the risk of collisions and serious incidents.
Several factors contribute to the severity of blind spots. The height and weight of the load can significantly reduce forward visibility, while the mast and overhead guard can obstruct the operator’s view to the sides. Additionally, the compact design of forklifts, which is necessary for manoeuvrability in tight spaces, often limits the field of vision. The ability for these machines to turn on a point also means a pedestrian in the wrong place can quickly enter a blind spot. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for implementing effective strategies to mitigate risks.
Reducing Blind Spots
Addressing blind spots requires a combination of technology and applied behaviours
- Slow Down: Reducing speeds around corners or where there is less physical separation of people and forklifts gives everyone more time to get out the way of blind spots. In a high traffic workplace low speeds are usually encouraged for this reason.
- Traffic Management: When possible, complete separation of people from forklifts can remove blind spots altogether. Safety barriers and dedicated pedestrian-only pathways can minimise the risk of someone unexpectedly entering a blind spot.
- AI Pedestrian Detection Systems: Smart cameras can be mounted to forklifts or barriers to detect pedestrians or personnel that enter blind spots. Harnesses AI technology such as computer vision, these cameras are “trained” to detect people that enter a pre-determined detection or exclusion zone. These zones are usually forklift blind spots. When the zone is breached, instant alerts warn the operator. In some cases the machine can be slowed or stopped, preventing an collision.
- Training: Regular training programs can help cement safe behaviours. For operators this could include optimal speeds with and without loads and being aware of surroundings prior to tight manoeuvres. For pedestrians, understanding traffic routes of machines in a workspace is important. Both groups could equally benefit from understanding where the blind spots are located as a shared responsibility of practising safe behaviours is vital for sustaining a culture of safety.
Bringing It All Together
Managing forklift blind spots effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technology, training, and strategic traffic management. By employing innovative solutions such as AI Pedestrian Detection to monitor blind spot breaches, safety barriers to separate people and forklifts and reinforcing safe behaviours with comprehensive training programs, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of incidents. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also improves operational efficiency by minimising disruptions and maintaining a smooth workflow.
