The Future of Forklift Safety: How AI and Automation Are Changing the Game

The Future of Forklift Safety: How AI and Automation Are Changing the Game

 

Forklift safety is essential to any industry that uses these vehicles, from manufacturing to agriculture. New technologies, like impact prevention systems and collision sensors, can be a big part of improving safety measures. This article will discuss forklifts, safety measures, and the ways automation can improve safety efforts.

Standard Forklift Safety

Putting a forklift safety system in place for your facility is essential when it comes to keeping your workers and your facility safe. However, before we dive into the different types of automated systems that you can use for forklifts in your industry, we should first highlight some of the more standard safety protocols surrounding forklifts. Here are the OSHA-designated safety protocols that every forklift operator should know:

  • PIT Compliance: PIT (Powered Industrial Trucks) Compliance is all about ensuring proper forklift training and operational knowledge to ensure safety.
  • Training and Certifications: OSHA outlines minimum requirements for forklift training and certifications to ensure standards are maintained in each workplace.
  • Understanding Hazards: Part of forklift safety is understanding potential hazards like blind spots, crushing hazards, collisions, and more.
  • Pre-Operational Checklists: These pre-operational checklists help ensure that vehicles and operators are ready for work and help prevent maintenance issues before they arise.


Forklift Hazards

As mentioned above, one essential part of forklift safety is being able to identify forklift hazards and know how to avoid them. Here are some common forklift safety hazards you should be aware of:

  • Improper Use: Operators may misuse a forklift, whether intentionally or not.
  • Unsecured Loads: An exceeded weight limit or improperly strapped cargo can lead to accidents.
  • Speed: The speed and weight of a forklift can be hazardous in unpredictable surroundings.
  • Overhead Obstructions: Low ceilings or hanging objects can cause damage.
  • Floor Conditions: Uneven floors, slippery surfaces, and more can cause dangers for forklift operators.
  • Blind Spots: If the driver's view is obstructed by what is being carried, it can lead to collisions.

Automation in A Forklift Safety System

So, how do automation and AI play into forklift safety? There are a variety of ways! At ELOKON, we integrate top-of-the-line safety technology with our forklifts and other motor vehicles. These safety systems, when combined with proper safety training and certifications, can vastly improve your facility and your employees' safety. Here are just a few types of automation used in forklift safety:

  • Equipment safety sensors help navigate narrow pathways and detect any obstructions to reduce collisions and accidents.
  • Fleet management systems help keep track of vehicle maintenance and monitor impacts from a centralized hub.


Standard Impact Prevention Systems

Forklift safety is vastly improved by impact prevention. While there are automated ways to accomplish this, there are also many practical forms of impact protection that are important to keep in mind as added precautionary measures:

  • Column Protectors: Protectors installed at the base of columns to help safeguard the structural integrity of the warehouse itself.
  • Speed Bumps: These are excellent ways to reduce speed in warehouses for any motorized vehicles in the space.
  • Guard Rails and Bumpers: These tools can control traffic flow, create safe walkways, and reduce impact from forklifts or other vehicles.
  • Rack Protectors: Armored pallets can help reduce damage to racks and storage equipment in the event of a crash.

Equipment Safety Sensors

Automated safety systems can be a game changer for safety in forklift operations. Safety sensors are a huge part of this technology and can play a major role in preventing accidents. Specifically, the use of telematics, which combines "telecommunications" and "informatics," helps improve communication and decision-making by analyzing data. This can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of your forklift operators.


Through telematics, your teams can improve the following:

  • Maintenance schedule adherence
  • Authorized driver sign-ins
  • Uptime and productivity
  • Impact monitoring
  • Safety auditing

The more data your team is able to gather with this technology, the more improvements you will be able to make.

Real-Time Forklift Impact Monitoring

Impact monitoring, as mentioned above, is one of the things that you can improve through telematics and automated safety systems. If impacts and collisions are a primary concern for your fleet of vehicles, consider investing in ELOKON's ELOShield technology.


ELOShield uses ultra-wideband technology and advanced forklift detection sensors to monitor your vehicle's surroundings. Then, it is able to alert the driver when any vehicles, objects, or pedestrians are getting too close or are about to collide. The ELOShield technology features a warning zone and a protection zone, so it can provide appropriate alerts to forklift operators at any point in a potential collision, whether it is avoidable or not. It can also alert pedestrians or other workers that they have gotten too close to the exterior of the vehicle.

Top Industries for Forklifts

When it comes to installing a forklift safety system, there should be no hesitation. Impact prevention systems are essential for any industry that uses forklifts or other heavy motor vehicles. Some of the industries that can benefit from automated and AI safety systems include:

  • Warehousing and Distribution
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Retail and Big Box Stores
  • Agriculture
  • Recycling and Waste Management
  • Logistics and Freight Transportation

These industries, and many others, can benefit from added safety protocols; there is no such thing as being too careful, especially in hazardous industries with large motorized equipment.  

Advanced Forklift Safety with ELOKON

At ELOKON, we take forklift safety seriously. That is why we have developed automated safety systems like ELOshield, ELOfleet, and more. Our state-of-the-art equipment helps protect your workers and your facility against unexpected collisions or serious accidents. No matter what industry you work in, these safety systems can be a great benefit to your facility. Contact our team at ELOKON today to get started.

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