Where Are the Blind Spots On a Forklift?

Much like when driving a car, a forklift has many blind spots that need to be checked before, during and after operation. It’s paramount that those blind spots are anticipated, identified and checked so as to ensure the safety of your employees, the forklift operator and your inventory. It can be difficult to know where the blind spots are on a forklift as designs can vary depending on the manufacturer and forklift type. So where, typically, are the blind spots on a forklift and how can you ensure you’re checking them all to the best of your ability?

Where are the blind spots on a forklift?

The blind spots on a forklift can differ. Not only is this down to the forklift itself but it might even be down to the height of the driver. But regardless of the operators’ size or who manufactured the forklift, there are some general blind spots that a forklift has, much like a car. The blind spots on a forklift can be found:

Upfront, with the load blocking the view

A forklift’s sole purpose is to transport loads from one place to another and it does so by carrying the load on the front, much like many other pieces of material handling equipment. As such, the front view can become completely obstructed. This can have detrimental effects regarding the safety of warehouse staff, inventory and machinery. In this case, a camera would be helpful as would the implementation of a buddy system, which we’ll touch upon soon.

Around the sides, with elements of the cabin blocking the view

Much like with a car, there are blind spots that have been created by the way in which the vehicle has been designed, such as where the windscreen is joined. This is very much the same for forklifts. The only thing left for your operators to do is to move their heads so as to see past the blind spot. Excellent levels of awareness and alertness is needed when it comes to driving a forklift.

Behind, due to lack of visibility

It can be difficult for an operator to completely turn around in order to see what’s behind them. Much like in a car, the mirrors can only offer so much visibility, to the point where the driver themselves needs to physically turn their heads to see out the back window. This is the same for a forklift. However, many new, state-of-the-art models come with high-definition cameras that operators can look at which will help to eliminate blind spots completely.

How to avoid safety hazards caused by blind spots

There are many things that you can do to try and eliminate blind spots around the forklift. In addition to adequate forklift operation training, it’s imperative that your forklift drivers are abiding by the rules and adhering to all of the suggestions and recommendations of the warehouse itself, including reading signage and paying attention to the lines and roped-off areas that segregates pedestrianised areas from the machine operation areas.

Know & abide by the rules

As already touched upon, the forklift operator needs to refer back to their training when it comes to driving the forklift as safely as possible. Some of the rules will include physically moving to eliminate blind spots, driving slowly, especially around corners, using the mirrors and having someone there to spot you, more so if the forklift operator is reversing or turning around a corner where the view will be partially obstructed.

Invest in high-resolution cameras

It will be worth investing in high-definition digital cameras, installing them at the front and back of the vehicle. They need to be of high quality so as to ensure the driver can make out and identify any obstruction that might be present before proceeding to operate the forklift. It might sound like an expensive outlay, but you should consider it more as an investment as it’ll help to reduce the risk of accidents occurring in the warehouse. Workplace accidents could end up in lawsuits and huge financial payouts, so protect your business by investing in ways that’ll prevent injury to your employees.

Use the buddy system

The buddy system, as the name suggests, involves bringing a colleague along to spot the forklift whilst it’s moving. Standing a safe distance away, the “buddy” will be able to communicate with the forklift driver and warn them of any obstacles or obstructions that are coming up that they might not be able to see, due to their blind spots.

Make full use of mirrors

Just like with a car, a forklift comes with mirrors and these should be taken advantage of at all times. Whether changing direction, setting off, reversing or dismounting the forklift, mirrors need to be checked so as to ensure the safety of everyone who might be working on the warehouse floor. It also makes sure that the driver doesn’t get out of the forklift and stand or slip on something that might be hidden next to, in front or or behind the vehicle itself.

Drive slowly

Forklift training will state the importance of manoeuvring slowly, especially around corners or in tight spaces, dark or obscured places. This way, the operator has time to react, therefore preventing an accident that might occur as a result of a forklift collision.

Install pedestrian safety lights

It’s imperative that forklifts come equipped with lights and alarms. This way, pedestrians will know when a forklift is in motion and so they’ll know to stay away from the area. The lights will also help to make the surroundings more clear for the forklift driver, ensuring they know where obstructions and people are when in operation.

Multy Lift have over three decades of experience in the material handling industry. We have a wide range of warehouse equipment available that will make short work of your applications, regardless of the industry you’re in. For more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our expert team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.