The Power of Sensor Fusion: How Combined Data Improves Forklift Safety

 

This article will discuss forklift accident prevention solutions and the ways that technology can help give you an upper hand over hazards like blind spots and pedestrians. Using sensor fusion is just one of the ways that you can improve forklift safety in your workplace. ELOKON’s use of this type of technology spans a few different safety systems and allows you to keep track of your own whereabouts as well as that of all of your pedestrians and forklifts.

Safety By ELOKON

At ELOKON, we specialize in forklift safety, including forklift blind spot detection solutions and the use of sensor fusion technology to keep every facility safer. With our cloud-based fleet management system, you can rest easy knowing that your forklift operations are more efficient and safe.

Common Forklift Safety Hazards

Before we jump into the world of sensor fusion and forklift accident recording systems, it is important to understand exactly why these types of tools can come in handy. There are a lot of different hazards that can come into play when working with forklifts and other motorized vehicles. Here are some of the most common forklift hazards you may see in your facility:

• Improper Use: Any inappropriate handling or driving can be a serious concern.  
• Poor Speed Control: Failure to slow down or speeding up in hazardous zones can cause collisions.
• Overhead Obstructions: Large overhead obstructions can be knocked into or fall, causing potential damage to equipment and pedestrians.
• Improper Maintenance: Failure to keep up inspections can lead to dangerous forklift operations.  
• Blind Spots: When the operator’s view is obstructed, pedestrians and equipment may be harmed.

Blind Spot Safety

As mentioned above, blind spots are one of the most common hazards associated with forklift safety. In fact, they are one of the leading causes of injury and forklift accidents. No matter what, there will always be a blind spot for a forklift driver. There are plenty of ways to minimize these blind spots to maintain safety in the workplace. Here are just a few solutions:

• The Buddy System: Have a coworker looking out and spotting for the driver, especially around sharp corners or through narrow passages.
• Stay Slow: The faster you travel, the more “blind” your blind spots become. Slowing down can help drivers stay aware of more.
• Safety Lights and Mirrors: Safety lights and mirrors can help keep both pedestrians and forklift drivers aware of what is around corners.
• Sensor Fusion Technology: Automated safety systems can help drivers and pedestrians stay more aware of their surroundings and prevent collisions.

Forklift Accident Prevention Solutions

Sensor fusion and other technologies can make for great equipment safety sensors. At ELOKON, we take pride in ensuring that our technology equips you to have a safer workplace in a variety of ways. Some of the best ways to prevent collisions and accidents in the workplace are through pedestrian safety systems like ELOshield and ELOspeed.

ELOshield and ELOspeed are both pedestrian safety systems. ELOspeed focuses primarily on monitoring the speed of a forklift as it moves through different zones and from outdoor to indoor workspaces. ELOshield, on the other hand, uses sensors to create different warning and protection zones in the space surrounding the forklift. Then, when objects or pedestrians enter the sensor’s range, the pedestrians and the forklift driver will immediately be notified of a potential collision. This can help prevent serious accidents.

Forklift Blind Spot Detection Solutions

ELOshield makes for one of many excellent forklift accident recording systems because of how well it can detect dangers and pedestrian hazards. The ELOshield sensor range can be adjusted according to the needs of your facility or even the needs of each individual forklift operator. This means that blind spots can be easily accounted for, as you can emphasize ensuring the sensors are strong around those areas where visibility might be difficult. Modern warning systems like ELOshield and others offer a variety of great advantages, like sensor fusion technology to help differentiate between unmoving objects, pedestrians, and vehicles on the floor. These types of safety systems also include smart learning features to help improve their own accuracy and have a human-first design that prioritizes operator judgment.

What Is Sensor Fusion?

The forklift accident prevention solutions that have been discussed so far have utilized sensor fusion as a means of detecting hazards before they arise. But the question is, what is sensor fusion, and how does it work?

Essentially, this form of detection technology is able to bring in a variety of different inputs from radars, lidars, and cameras to create a single image or model of the environment. Because it uses different kinds of inputs, it creates a much fuller picture and can very clearly identify moving and stationary objects, people, and more.

Forklift Accident Recording Systems

When it comes to forklift blind spot detection solutions and sensor fusion technology, there might also be an interest in recording these types of incidents or narrow escapes, as well as simply documenting the damage and maintenance needs of your forklifts.

ELOKON’s ELOfleet system is a fleet management program that documents everything going on with your forklifts at any given time. The system can provide routine maintenance checks and alert you to needs like low fuel and more. Additionally, ELOfleet allows you to attach itself to any other safety system offered by ELOKON, which means you can add sensor technology and cameras to the program. This way, you can have a centralized hub where you can view recorded footage and keep tabs on all of your forklifts at once.

Prevention Systems with ELOKON

At ELOKON, we take pride in ensuring the safety of any and all forklift operators across not only the United States but around the globe. With our sensor fusion technology, this process becomes not only easier, but stronger in general. Sensor fusion offers a new way to protect blind spots and protect pedestrians. With increased efficiency, fleet maintenance, and ways of recording any hazards and incidents for future review, ELOKON has the best automated safety systems for your facility.

 

FAQ

- What is sensor fusion?
- How do I keep pedestrians safe in warehouses?
- What is a blind spot?
- What are the most common dangers of forklifting?
- Can you record forklift accidents in warehouses?