{"id":8670,"date":"2016-04-14T09:00:39","date_gmt":"2016-04-14T14:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/?p=8670"},"modified":"2023-06-12T20:42:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T01:42:29","slug":"how-forklift-warning-systems-help-separate-traffic-pedestrians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/2016\/04\/14\/how-forklift-warning-systems-help-separate-traffic-pedestrians\/","title":{"rendered":"How Forklift Warning Systems Help Separate Traffic & Pedestrians"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Large<\/p>\n

Forklifts are ubiquitous in the modern warehouse<\/h4>\n

As an invaluable tool, they must be operated properly and always with safety in mind. However, that\u2019s not always the case. OSHA statistics reveal there are more than 30,000 serious injuries<\/a> involving forklifts (and similarly powered vehicles) in the U.S. each year. Approximately 20 percent of those accidents occur when a forklift strikes a pedestrian. This can make the forklift the most dangerous equipment in your facility.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With proper training and safety measures in place, the majority of accidents can be avoided. Supervisors must consider two key groups when discussing forklift safety: drivers and pedestrians. Implementing a forklift warning light system<\/a><\/strong> is an excellent and economical option to help warn pedestrians of nearby forklifts and add an additional layer of safety.<\/p>\n

A forklift warning system is placed on the front or rear of a forklift (or both) projecting a bright circle of (typically blue) light onto the floor about 15 feet in front of (and\/or) behind the vehicle. In a noisy, busy warehouse, it\u2019s a visible indicator of an approaching vehicle. Let\u2019s look at the specifics of where, how, and why it can help.<\/p>\n

\"Large<\/p>\n

Where<\/h4>\n

The moving light of the forklift warning system catches the\u00a0attention of\u00a0either\u00a0pedestrians and other forklift drivers (or drivers of other vehicles in the space). It\u2019s a clear indication of whether a forklift is moving (forward or backward) or stationary. In warehouses with blind intersections or rack aisles, and\/or where there is ambient noise, it\u2019s an excellent additional safety measure.<\/p>\n

Guide: how to mount a forklift warning light<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A forklift warning system is mounted \u2013 either by bolts or magnets \u2013 to the front, back, or both ends of a vehicle and wired to vehicle power. It can attached to forklifts, walkies, loaders, Cushmans, AGVs, and other industrial vehicles.<\/p>\n

These lights are particularly well suited to dock areas. When a forklift enters a trailer, its light precedes it as it backs out, helping to warn people working in the area.<\/p>\n

How<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two bright LED lights (blue lights are the most common) increase the visibility of approaching vehicles. As a forklift or other vehicle moves, the bright light glides across the floor about 15 feet ahead or behind it, alerting workers in the area of the approaching vehicle.\u00a0In a loud warehouse, the moving light catches the eye and is likely more effective than an auditory alert (beeping, etc.) or stationary lights (which are always on and lack the movement aspect of a forklift light). Since the light moves with the vehicles, it also serves as an indication of whether the vehicle is stationary, approaching, or retreating.<\/p>\n

\"rear-mounted<\/p>\n

Why<\/h4>\n

Forklift warning systems are a simple and affordable way to improve safety for people who share space with forklifts and other powered industrial trucks. The statistics illustrate workers on foot are endangered if they share space with these vehicles and additional safety measures only work to enhance the overall health of a workspace.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Forklifts are big, heavy machines that do yeoman\u2019s work in the warehouse environment. It\u2019s essential that drivers are trained to operate these machines safely for their own sake and for the sake of those around them. Adding safety enhancements, like a forklift warning system, show a company\u2019s commitment to a safe environment.<\/p>\n

What else can you do?<\/h3>\n