The annual International Materials Handling Exposition (IMHX) in Birmingham always features one or two highlights that steal the show. The 2013 exhibition was no exception. Among the most talked about parts of IMHX this year were the demonstrations of forklift technologies focusing on pedestrian safety.
One of the exhibitors, Transom, showed off their latest wares including their Pedestrian Alert System (PAS) and Active Reverse System (ARS). Both systems utilise infrared and other technologies to increase pedestrian safety. According to Transom officials, one of the most challenging aspects of the modern manufacturing environment is for forklift operators and pedestrians to work safely together.
While accidents are not as frequent as they used to be, they still do occur from time to time. The primary reasons for these accidents are twofold: forklift operators have a difficult time seeing everything around them, and a fully loaded forklift is a challenge to keep balanced. When you add in pedestrian carelessness, you have a recipe for disaster.
Technology and Training Together
Technologically advanced systems from companies like Transom are making the manufacturing workplace a lot safer. However, technology alone cannot prevent accidents. Forklift operators need to be properly trained in all aspects of safety including load balancing, lifting and placing loads, proper procedures for reversing, and sharing the manufacturing floor with other workers.
Training facilities like the HGV Training Centre offer comprehensive training for forklift operators. Our desire is to see the number of forklift accidents in the UK reduced as much as possible. We want every worker, whether pedestrian or forklift operator, to return home safely every day.
Our training is designed to do just that. As such, we focus on the following aspects of forklift operation:
- Size & Weight – Because of the deceptively small size of the average forklift, many people do not realize how heavy this machinery really is. We teach forklift operators to respect the size and weight of their vehicles and never take stability for granted.
- Vehicle Control – Operating a forklift is very easy in terms of straight mechanics. The small number of controls ensures that. The hard part is combining all the normal forklift movements for smooth, safe, and efficient operation. We teach forklift operators how to direct their machines like a conductor directs a world-class symphony.
- Health & Safety – Proper health and safety during forklift operation is a matter of mental aptitude and attitude. We teach forklift operators to maintain a safety first attitude that includes paying attention to what is going on around them, making note of forklift limits, and always using proper operational techniques.
Between training and technologically advanced safety equipment the manufacturing environment can be made much safer. We encourage both companies and individual forklift operators to do their part by making proper training a priority. Please contact us today to find out more about our forklift operator training. We would be more than happy to answer your questions or get you signed up right away.
