For employers the headache doesn’t stop there, as the fallout from an accident also has a lasting effect on the injured person’s family, friends, colleagues as well as the business. Because of this, it’s crucial to identify and implement ways of making workplaces safer, and one of the best ways to do that is by installing camera safety systems on the forklifts, say vehicle safety experts from Sentinel Systems.

Sentinel’s 360-degree camera system offers drivers an enhanced view around the outside of their vehicles. The system allows for up to 30 days of footage to be recorded on either SD card or HDD memory Sentinel’s DVRs, storage devices. In front of the driver a seven inch high definition colour monitor is installed giving high image clarity so that anything around the vehicle is always visible to the driver.

Alternatively, for exterior applications exposed to the elements a waterproof monitor can be provided with built in recorder. The cameras not only reduce the risk of any damage to the vehicle, but also lower the risks of injury to personnel. With a Sentinel system, the camera and monitor can be connected by a wireless connection with no physical cable required. Either a fixed, or moveable magnetic base mounting camera can be adjusted to suit different operational requirements which increase both operational efficiency and offer better long-term reliability.

Training is key

According to figures from the HSE, five workers in the UK are seriously injured in accidents involving forklift trucks every working day. By installing cameras on the vehicles and making simple changes, like ensuring the staff working with and alongside lift trucks are aware of the dangers associated with operations, is key to running a safe site.

Employees need training to improve their lack of awareness of workers on foot, especially as pedestrians account for 57% of those injured by lift trucks. In order to educate forklift operators, the camera system helps workers to be more aware of the main risks, such as people not being seen.

Many managers and supervisors find it hard to keep up with ever-changing standards and legislations and are unsure of where to begin in terms of improving safety. In order for a safety strategy to work, it needs to be clear to everyone who enters the site, whether that is a full-time employee or someone who is just there for the day. HSE research revealed that over a four-year period 49 incidents involved visiting lorry drivers, with 78 percent of them being struck by moving lift trucks during loading and unloading.

Poor working conditions, equipment problems and incorrect signage can also play a part in workplace accidents. Time pressures can lead to carelessness and the abandoning of safe practice in favour of completing a job on time. Another factor can be complacency, where experienced operators or drivers consider themselves to be familiar enough with the working environment so don’t think there is any danger. Sentinel’s systems make it easy, as cameras placed around the lift truck will identify any potential hazards and take away the worries that come with manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The safety camera package can be customised to meet the individual requirements of each fleet, depending on the size and operations of each vehicle. The system can be created using any number of Sentinel’s cameras including forward, rear and side-facing cameras for a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings.