The use of AI-powered forklift safety system are a crucial part of warehouse operations, but they also pose significant risks to both people and goods. In fact, forklifts are one of the most dangerous industrial machines, with thousands of accidents occurring every year. While training and site safety measures are the first line of protection, AI-powered forklift safety systems can further reduce accidents and improve driver attentiveness and well-being. In this article, we will discuss the importance of forklift safety systems and their benefits.

The Dangers of Forklifts AI-powered forklift

Forklifts pose significant risks in industrial settings, ranking as the second most hazardous equipment following farm machinery. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the United States witnesses an alarming number of forklift accidents annually, estimated between 35,000 to 62,000 incidents. These accidents not only lead to damage to goods but also contribute to increased insurance premiums and disruptions in operations. What’s concerning is that a substantial portion of these accidents, approximately 70%, could be avoided with the implementation of standard safety measures.

Improving Accident Prevention by AI-powered Forklift Safety Systems

Effective accident prevention strategies hinge upon comprehensive forklift training programs and stringent site safety measures. Innovative solutions leveraging AI technology, such as the VIA Mobile360 Forklift Safety System, play a pivotal role in further reducing accident rates by actively detecting pedestrians in a forklift’s vicinity. Additionally, the Driver Safety System (DSS) offers a proactive approach to mitigating accidents stemming from driver fatigue and distractions, promptly identifying signs of tiredness or inattentiveness and assisting drivers in self-correction.

Improving Accident Prevention Forklift operator looking at FSS display while operating forklift

Boosting Driver Attentiveness and Well-Being With Forklift Safety System Data

The DSS operates through an in-cabin camera, which detects indicators of fatigue or rule infringements, such as smoking or mobile phone usage. It issues audible alerts to prompt corrective action or suggest a break, thereby fostering driver attentiveness and overall well-being. Crucially, the DSS is designed to collaborate with drivers, fostering a culture of safety and support rather than enforcement.

Three behaviors that can be detected by DSS: fatigue, phone use, and smoking

AI-powered Cloud Reporting and Behavioral Insights

Smart forklift safety systems furnish invaluable data, which can be harnessed via cloud reporting systems to monitor incidents and gain deeper insights into shop floor dynamics. The data harvested from the DSS offers nuanced perspectives on individual drivers’ performance, highlighting patterns of fatigue, phone usage, or smoking through generated alerts. Importantly, this data isn’t intended for intrusive surveillance but rather for informed decision-making aimed at enhancing job conditions and identifying drivers in need of additional training. Versatile in its applicability, the VIA Mobile360 Forklift Safety System can be seamlessly integrated into various forklift models, providing timely interventions at points of peril while furnishing actionable insights to refine safety protocols and training initiatives.

WorkX Connect dashboard AI-powered forklift DSS-cloud

Deploying a smart forklift safety system is not just about avoiding accidents, but also about the data it can provide to better understand and improve warehouse operations. With its ability to reduce accidents and deliver data-driven insights, smart forklift safety systems are an essential investment for any warehouse operation.

If you are interested in learning more about the VIA Mobile360 Forklift Safety System, book a free consultation now.