During forklift operations, operators rely on their vision to gather 90% of the information needed to carry out a task. It’s hardly surprising, then, that visibility issues play a role in more than 80% of forklift truck-related accidents.
Nowhere is this threat greater than when your trucks are lifting loads to heights from 3 to 13 metres. Here, visibility isn’t just desirable, it is absolutely crucial. Your workers are exposed to real danger from falling items if the operator isn’t in total control of every movement.
Statistics suggest that as many as two thirds of forklift accidents kill or injure someone who was not driving the truck at the time – meaning that anyone visiting or working at a business which uses a forklift truck could be at risk of injury… or worse.
Falling loads are a leading cause of fatalities involving forklift trucks – accounting for more than 40% of deaths – according to a 20-year accident study.
Every accident is a personal and commercial tragedy, which is why the subject of visibility is extremely high on the industry’s agenda.
Visionary Thinking
Traditionally, operators have been protected from falling objects by metal bars in the roof of the overhead guard. Although these structures form an effective barrier to larger objects, they do very little to stop smaller items. What’s more, they can present a significant obstacle to operator visibility.
The popular Mitsubishi family of reach trucks benefits from the revolutionary Visionmast, which allows operators to handle goods with precision and effortless ease. ‘Hot extrusion’ technology has allowed a unique construction in which the hydraulic cylinders are enclosed within the profile of the mast’s first stage. This adds extra stiffness to the mast, as well as providing a clearer view.
Features of a high visibility forklift
Choosing a truck with good visibility can enhance your site’s safety and productivity.
When you choose a truck that maximises your operator’s visibility, you maximise his or her ability to manoeuvre safely and precisely, with confidence. In turn, every aspect of your operations will benefit from greater safety, foremost your employees, but also reduced product damage and enhanced productivity.
Information from this article was sourced from www.forkliftbriefing.com
Download PDF here
