The proximity warning system aims to prevent industrial assets from approaching each other or with pedestrians and possible accidents. The proximity warning system is designed as a versatile technology and takes its place in security and health applications. When applied to forklifts, it aims to maximize operator, forklift, and pedestrian safety. The forklift proximity warning system continues to stand out as one of the technologies included in the work areas.
According to various research, forklifts constitute 10% of the accidents that occur in a work area where forklifts operate. Companies around the world aim to find different solutions to prevent forklift working accidents. One of the solutions created in this direction is the forklift proximity alert system. This system, which works with a proximity warning device supported by artificial intelligence, is meticulously created to ensure pedestrian and operator safety.
What Causes Forklift Accidents?
Forklift alert systems develop many factors that can be beneficial in terms of health and safety in work areas. The need for the emergence of this kind of technology is to create a peaceful working environment. It can be supported with operator training in areas where forklift proximity sensor devices need to be placed. Among the causes of forklift accidents are the following:
- Forklifts that cannot see each other in blind spots have an accident when turning,
- Forklift operators and other workers working in the same area are in the same place at the wrong time due to the inability to communicate,
- Forklifts drive very fast in the working areas,
- Operators behaving against workplace rules (such as not parking properly, and not following procedures while braking.)
The reasons shown for the forklift accident rates can be diversified according to the working areas. The proximity warning system, which is created in line with the reasons shown in general, ensures that such accidents are prevented.
Forklift Proximity Warning System Solution Developed with Boni Global
Boni Global aims to create a safe, healthy, and peaceful environment by producing IoT-supported solutions in the workspaces. In the solution created for this purpose, wearable personal proximity alarms and vehicle tags are developed. While employees have wearable equipment with UWB technology, UWB tags are mounted on vehicles. These vehicles can be forklifts, trucks, lifting equipment, and AGVs located in work areas.
The use of UWB communication technology in the creation of a proximity warning system enables it to detect risky situations that may cause collisions. When the tags on the employees and forklifts get closer, they communicate with each other. Personal proximity sensors and tags alert both pedestrians and operators of vibration when they detect a risk of collision.
Boni Global develops the warning systems included in the proximity warning system in accordance with different situations. In this context, provincial-level buzzers and audio/visual warning devices are activated. Certain distance parameters are defined by companies for devices supported by artificial intelligence. Devices that detect the risk level start to warn with the ring level with two different options. LED lights and vibration devices are activated in case the bell level is not detected. Thus, both operator and pedestrian safety are supported by wearable devices.
Proximity warning system devices consist of lightweight designs that do not disturb employees. Employees can carry the devices all day long as it does not affect their daily working comfort. Being resistant to dust, water and dirt ensure that they have a long-lasting structure.
The proximity warning system developed with Boni Global can be integrated into the versatile platform. Benefits gained with the platform include:
- Detailed monitoring of reports generated about accident or collision reports,
- Detailed analysis of the working area and floor plan,
- Opportunity to obtain insights about potential risks in the presence of generated reports,
- Training and making improvements by increasing the visibility of security risks in the workplace.
What Can Be Done to Increase Pedestrian and Forklift Safety?
A forklift proximity warning system is an ideal solution to create maximum safety. It is possible to create optimum security by supporting such technologies with different solutions. For this, it is recommended that you train forklift operators and pedestrians in accordance with your company’s transit rules. In particular, forklifts carrying dangerous goods must undergo certain training. However, apart from forklifts, pedestrians working in the work area should also be trained.
Setting up zones to separate pedestrians and forklifts in the work area can be important for safety. Threshold values that allow the devices to give a warning in case of exiting from the determined points can be determined. Extra protective measures such as safety vests can be provided in areas of high danger for pedestrians. It is also important to maintain a distance of at least 8 feet between the forklift and pedestrians.
The forklift proximity warning system should be determined according to the needs of the sector, which is your working area. In this direction, it makes sense to create a solution package suitable for your company structure. You can create a proximity warning system solution suitable for your company structure by contacting Boni Global.
