Forklifts are extremely helpful vehicles commonly used in warehousing and other industrial applications where goods and boxes need to be lifted, transported and stored. With all industrial machinery, there are risks involved with their operation, and due to their size and small margin for error, forklifts can pose serious dangers to drivers and other workers in the space. Safety Dave is home to Australia’s leading range of safety equipment including reversing cameras, AED defibrillators, TPMS, fire safety equipment and more. Let’s look at why reversing cameras are an important and highly recommended safety addition that should be included in all forklifts.
Why Are Forklifts Dangerous?
Many industrial workplace accidents involve forklifts, the main reasons being:
- Their size and the weight of the loads they carry – Forklifts are relatively small machines, yet constantly haul heavy loads. These heavy and sometimes awkward loads are placed wholly at the front of the vehicle and rest on 2 ‘forks’. This can sometimes can unsteadiness, especially when these heavy loads are raised into the air for transportation or storage.
- Low level of driver visibility – Due to the design of the forklift and the positioning of large loads, the driver’s visibility is often compromised. Often, forklifts must be reversed instead of driven forwards if a large load obstructs the head-on view. Combine that with the presence of blind spots as well as workplaces with narrow aisles and tight corners, and accidents seem almost inevitable.
- Poor driving practice – While forklift operators are required to undergo proper training and licensing, sometimes the pressures of a fast-paced workplace can cause a lapse in judgement and poor driver performance.
- Employees with low awareness – Often accidents are caused not by the forklift itself or driver, but by other employees in the space not adhering to proper walkways and proper practices around these types of machines.
How Reversing Cameras Can Help Make Forklift Operation Safer
Reversing cameras are available in different configurations to suit specific industrial applications such as forklifts. These rear vision kits allow the driver much greater visibility and help to eliminate blind spots. Installation is quick and easy, with a monitor mounted on the dashboard, and a number of cameras fitted around the vehicle. These cameras will give the driver a clear view of what’s happening at the rear of the machine which will make reversing considerably safer for everyone in the workplace.
Other Safety Features to Improve Workplace Safety
Safety in all workplaces should be of the utmost priority. At Safety Dave, our aim is to make high quality safety equipment accessible to all Australian businesses that’s why our range isn’t just confined to reversing cameras – we have a wide variety of other safety solutions, including TPMS, first aid kits and defibrillators for sale. Having a defibrillator in your office, factory or warehouse can be the difference between life and death in the event that an employee or colleague suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.
For more information on any of our safety accessories or for guidance on how to make your workplace safer, get in touch with us online or call our friendly team today on 1800 072 338.
