How Forklift Speed Control Systems Prevent Accidents
Controlling forklift speed with forklift speed control systems is one of the best ways to improve safety. In this article, we’ll discuss how these systems work, the options available, and why you might want to consider adding them to your facility.
Why Forklift Speed Matters
According to OSHA, forklifts are one of the biggest contributors to warehouse accidents, and speed is a leading cause. It doesn’t take much for a forklift going too fast to tip over while cornering, slide on slick surfaces, crash into racks, equipment, or people, or cause damage. In busy facilities, drivers are often under pressure to move quickly, but safety should always come first, and forklift speed reduction solutions can help.
What Are Forklift Speed Control Systems?
Forklift speed control systems are designed to limit how fast a forklift can travel. These systems can be as simple as a mechanical forklift speed limiter or as advanced as a fully automated system that adapts based on location or proximity to other forklifts or people.
Common Forklift Speed Control Systems
Here, we’ll walk through the main forklift speed control systems and how they can help prevent many of the most common types of forklift accidents.
Forklift Speed Limiters
A forklift speed limiter is a device that restricts how fast the vehicle can go, regardless of how hard the operator presses the accelerator. These can be preset based on the company’s safety standards. Speed limiters can help improve efficiency because drivers will make fewer mistakes and avoid accidents that could halt production.
At many industrial sites, forklifts are usually allowed to drive at maximum speed outside but are supposed to slow down when coming inside. Here at ELOKON, we’ve designed a system jointly with major auto manufacturers that automatically controls forklift speed with radar. By detecting what’s above a forklift, either the ceiling or the sky, the system lets vehicles run at full speed outdoors, but automatically slows them down as they come inside. Additionally, you can set your own speed limits based on the specifics of your facility and the safest indoor speed.
Forklift Proximity Detection Systems
Forklift proximity detection systems use sensors to detect nearby objects, people, or other forklifts. These systems then trigger alerts or automatically reduce the speed of the forklift to prevent collisions. Depending on the system, it might sound an alarm to alert the driver, trigger flashing lights to warn pedestrians, automatically reduce speed when a person is detected nearby, or stop the forklift entirely in case of immediate danger.
Forklift Proximity Sensors
Similar to the detection systems above, forklift proximity sensors control speed, though they are more focused on detecting objects or people within a defined range. They’re ideal for specific situations like blind intersections, aisles, loading docks, and high pedestrian traffic areas. Some proximity sensors can be connected to zone-based speed reduction systems, so if your forklift enters a busy area, its maximum speed drops automatically. Once the forklift is out of that zone, normal speed resumes.
Zone-Based Forklift Speed Reduction Solutions
These systems use location-based technology to create speed zones within your facility. For example, in a high-traffic pedestrian zone, forklifts automatically slow, but in a wide open, low-traffic area, they can move faster. This setup automatically makes your warehouse smarter and safer.
How These Systems Prevent Forklift Accidents
There are many ways these systems can help prevent forklift accidents.
Improved Reaction Time
The faster a forklift is going, the harder it is to stop. Speed control systems give drivers more time to react to obstacles or sudden changes, which can help reduce the number of incidents.
Better Handling and Stability
It’s estimated that 24 percent of all forklift accidents are turnover events. When forklifts take corners too fast or make sudden stops, they’re at risk of tipping, especially with a heavy load. Keeping speeds consistent helps avoid instability.
Fewer Collisions
With forklift proximity detection systems and sensors, drivers are constantly made aware of their surroundings. These tools create extra layers of awareness and help prevent accidents that might happen due to blind spots or distractions.
Compliance with Safety Protocols
Speed control systems don’t rely on memory or a person’s mood to follow the rules. They enforce your safety standards consistently to keep everyone safe.
Are Forklift Safety Systems Worth It?
When you consider the cost of forklift accidents and the risks they pose to safety, we believe these systems are absolutely worth it. They’ll lead to fewer incidents and injuries, less equipment damage, improved morale among your staff, and reduced liability and insurance costs.
If you’re ready to add forklift safety solutions to your facility, start by evaluating your current risks. Where are the near-misses happening? Which areas see the most foot traffic? From there, explore your options. Do you need a basic forklift speed limiter, or are you ready to invest in forklift proximity detection systems?
When you’ve narrowed down your options, talk to your team. Operators often have great insights into problem areas. Get their input on what would actually make their jobs safer. Finally, pick systems that will be able to scale with your needs. If you’re on a budget, you can start with critical zones and expand over time.
Learn More About How to Improve Forklift Safety
Keeping forklifts in check with smart speed control solutions is one of the best ways to prevent forklift accidents and keep your facility running smoothly.
Here at ELOKON, we offer a range of automated forklift safety and fleet management systems. Our products use the latest sensor technology from the automotive industry to maximize the speed and safety of your material handling operations. This includes anti-collision systems, pedestrian safety devices, fixed-position warning systems for high-traffic areas, radar-based speed control devices, and integrated fleet management systems. We also offer technical consulting services on machinery and facility safety.
Our technologies align with the cutting-edge advancements of Industry 4.0. Thousands of customers in 45 countries benefit from our solutions. If you’re ready to improve workplace safety and increase material handling productivity, contact us today to learn more.