Improving Forklift Safety with RFID Technology

Every year in the UK, around 1,300 employees are hospitalised due to serious injuries following a forklift incident. Cutting edge digital technology can help reduce this number.

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ccident figures based on RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) over the last three years show that 43% of incidents involving a forklift truck were impacts with a third person. Of these, around 65% were pedestrians, 20% co-workers and 15% delivery drivers watching or assisting with loading or unloading their vehicle.

Whether using a forklift in a warehouse, at a distribution centre, an airport or seaport, the dangers to others are clear. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stipulates that there must be adequate segregation of forklift trucks and pedestrians within the workplace. But how do you ensure these areas aren’t breached inadvertently?

According to RIDDOR, as the number of forklift truck injuries is on the rise, more will need to be done to address the issue of enhancing safety in areas where forklifts are in use.

Emily Hardy, a vehicle safety expert and marketing manager at Brigade Electronics UK, says: “Approximately 70% of incidents on sites happen during initial machine start-up and low speed movement because of poor visibility. Warehouses, distribution centres, seaports and airports can all be extremely challenging environments with numerous hazards to navigate. The presence of ground staff and pedestrians makes these areas particularly difficult in terms of ensuring safety is maintained at all times.” Smart technology is helping to address the problem of restricted visibility and blind spots in handling areas. These include the very latest RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, such as Brigade’s ZoneSafe proximity warning system.

Designed for use in areas such as warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing sites, waste sites, airports and distribution centres, ZoneSafe uses vehicle-mounted antennas that communicate with detection tags, which can be worn by workers, set up in restricted areas or placed on objects or property. When a tag enters a detection zone, the vehicle operator will automatically receive a visual and audible alert via the in-cab control unit, which will enable them to take the necessary action. Tags worn by workers on foot will also vibrate to warn of an approaching vehicle. Due to the RFID technology, which does not require line-of-sight, tags will be detected regardless of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather conditions or poor visibility. Each tag can be uniquely identified and linked to individual people. Founded in 1976 by Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE, Brigade Electronics introduced the very first reversing alarm to Europe and has been at the forefront of championing vehicle and plant safety ever since, pioneering new products, and developing and patenting new technology. “This technology is ideal for vehicles, like forklift trucks, that frequently operate within close proximity of workers and other machines,” adds Emily. “It provides fast, reliable and accurate data exchange without any limitation on the number of tags or antennas in operation, making it perfect for large areas like warehouses and distribution centres. Driver training is obviously key to ensuring safety standards are adhered to. However, vehicle safety technology can add an additional layer of security and peace of mind for operators who are keen to ensure that their workplaces remain hazard free.”

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‘Rights on Site’ – don’t fear speaking out

Research from National Accident Helpline has revealed that the fear of repercussions is preventing workers in the construction sector from making claims after suffering from an injury at work through no fault of their own.

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he personal injury experts’ ‘Rights on Site’ campaign is highlighting the need for support and guidance for those who have suffered a workplace injury through no fault of their own. Having helped thousands of people get their lives back on track after an injury in the workplace, National Accident Helpline believes that more needs to be done to support workers.

It is now calling on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and businesses operating within the construction sector to increase efforts to tackle unfair treatment on sites. This comes as the prospect of losing out on future work or experiencing ill feeling appears to be preventing workers from speaking out when something isn’t right.

National Accident Helpline recently commissioned research including discussions with industry participants, - exploring the potential barriers to claiming if construction workers were to have an accident that wasn’t their fault. Examples of feared consequences if they were to claim included job loss, a bad atmosphere at work or future employment concerns if news that they’d made a claim got around to other employers.

It is illegal for employers to fire staff for making a compensation claim for a workplace accident. In fact, a worker who believes their employer has acted in this way has automatic grounds for an employment tribunal. The law recognises that individuals should not be penalised or mistreated for exercising their rights. While National Accident Helpline encourages construction workers who are part of a union to seek advice from their union, the research reveals that those who are not members require a better understanding of the help and support available to them following an accident on site. Data shows there were on average 61,000 construction accidents per year between 2018/19 and 2020/2021. But on average, only 71,000 employer liability claims were made across all UK industry sectors per year during this time. With construction only representing 6% of the workforce, this appears to show a major disparity between the number of accidents happening and workers making claims. Mark Omahoney, Director of Admire Construction and participant of the focus group, reflected on how the industry climate could prevent workers from claiming: “If there’s a lot of work about, you could bounce to another firm or work for someone else. But during times when there isn’t much work, you have to approach the situation carefully as it could end up costing you more in the long run.”

Industry data also revealed that despite ‘machines or tools’ being the top workplace risk for construction workers, accidents involving machinery accounted for just 2-6% of reported injuries.

Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline, said: “The statistics say it all when you look at the number of construction injuries versus the number of overall claims - something just isn’t adding up. It’s clear that the fear of a workplace backlash is a daunting reality for those in construction. It’s essential

 Be Aware - Always

Fatal incidents in UK construction have risen by almost 10% in the last five years. There are now 1.62 deaths per 100,000 workers, which is four times the figure for all industries. It is also double the rate for the transportation and storage sector (0.85) and around 2.5x the rate in manufacturing. Falling from height is still the number one cause of fatal and nonfatal incidents in the construction sector. It accounts for half of all deaths on site.

The findings, collated by specialist providers of plant hire in London, Herts Tools, used construction statistics from Health and Safety Executive reports from 2018 to 2021. The analysis demonstrates the impact of accidents in the construction industry and how workers and workplaces are being affected.

Every year, there are 61,000 injuries to construction workers, on average, with a quarter of these caused by slips, trips and falls. The economic cost to Great Britain of construction injuries and ill health was around £16.2 billion in 2018/19. Most of these costs (59% or £9.56 billion) fell upon the injured/ill individuals themselves. In 2020, the total cost of construction industry injuries was up 34% compared to 2018.

Key Pointers

• Provide training and plan all work at height properly • Use the correct equipment and regularly check it to prevent falls • Avoid slips and trips by keeping floors clean, dry, well-lit and free of obstacles • Clear up spillages quickly, deep cleaning after working hours • Install safety guards on machinery and provide safety goggles • Store heavy objects close to the ground, fit debris nets and outlaw throwing tools.

Phil Beaumont, Health and safety Consultant, says: “First and foremost it’s important for sites and companies to implement rules, procedures, and policies that people can follow clearly to conduct safe practice at work. Keeping a record of incidents and continuously assessing what went right, what went wrong, what was irrelevant and what more could have been done previously is vital to minimise future accidents at work.”

that construction workers know their rights, and don’t feel bullied or shamed into not coming forward about personal injuries they’ve experienced on the job through no fault of their own. This is a collective industry issue, and we acknowledge that it isn’t something that will be solved overnight. We’ve launched ‘Rights on Site’ to raise awareness of the problem, clear up misconceptions about claiming and to help right many wrongs.”

More at  www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk  www.hertstools.co.uk

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Electric Combilifts help digital growth for English Woodlands Timber

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hen the pandemic hit, English Woodlands Timber (EWT) pulled out all the stops for its online marketing activities, and as a result has achieved record sales as well as a large number of new customers. Based in the South Downs, EWT caters for the bespoke and high-end construction, joinery and furniture sectors, and its niche products include boards and cladding as well as a wide range of species such as oak, elm, ash and sweet chestnut. Fundamental to its success is that each and every item stocked is now also available to view and buy via the web shop.

Equally important however is the ability to efficiently fulfil what Director Ian McNally calls the “pick, pack and dispatch” side of operations once orders have been received. Switching to electric trucks from Combilift has been instrumental in enabling EWT it to keep pace with the recent 50% growth in business. “What differentiates us from other suppliers is our quality and diverse range,” said Ian. “The Combilifts can handle all the varied and awkward sized boards we stock, they are nimble, manoeuvrable and allow us to work more quickly.

Two 4t capacity C4000 models and two 2t capacity Combi-WR4 multidirectional pedestrian stacker trucks are in operation at the 4 acre site. The latter feature Combilift’s unique patented multi-position tiller arm which enables the operator to work at the side of the unit rather than at the rear when working in narrow confines for enhanced safety. The ability to move 6m lengths sideways with the C4000E trucks has created at least 35% extra storage space in the existing footprint.

Sustainability is also a byword at the EWT woodyard, with solar panels on roofs wherever possible, charging stations for those who drive electric vehicles, chippings are used for biomass and other material is recycled into bedding for horses for example. “It’s electric power wherever possible here and nothing goes to waste,” says Ian. Electric Combilifts were therefore the machines of choice, as they are emission free and are also very quiet which is much appreciated by all on site. Owner and MD Tom Compton is particularly impressed with the performance of the Combi-WR4s. “This one operator/one machine combination has been transformative and has improved productivity by 30- 40% compared to the old trucks. In spite of their relatively small size they can easily lift packs of timber from the top bay of racking. An added bonus is that training staff to use them takes just a few hours.”

Thanks to its digital offering, EWT’s customer base has expanded not only in quantity but also in geographical reach. “We used to typically sell to a radius of 20 – 30 miles but now we sell nationwide,” said Ian. “Also whereas customers generally used to come in person and look through the range with our experts, they can now browse and find exactly what they are looking for from the comfort of their office or their workbench. But if people want to visit us and meet the team, then of course they are always more than welcome!”

Ian sums up: “The latest digital technology and the innovative engineering from Combilift has been a winning combination which has enabled our business to expand and flourish, without having to worry about building extra space too.”

For more information visit  www.combilift.com  www.englishwoodlandstimber.co.uk