Innovation could be the difference between life and death in mousetrapping incidents
According to the latest figures from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, tipping accidents are the single most common cause of operator fatalities (42%) among forklift operators.
In almost every case, the driver was ‘mousetrapped’ between the truck and the ground, causing massive trauma to the head or upper body.
But an ingenious piece of design engineering from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks looks set to be a game changer in avoiding deaths in these potentially tragic incidents.
According to Stewart Gosling of Red Diamond Distribution, exclusive importers of Mitsubishi forklift trucks: “These accidents occur because, as a forklift tips over, the operator’s overwhelming instinct is to try and jump clear. Seemingly, no amount of training or experience can overcome the flight instinct… with fatal consequences. Sadly, if the operator was to stay in place, they would walk away with bruising and little more.
“However, actually keeping them seated has proved an insurmountable challenge… until now.”
Many operators simply can’t be bothered to buckle up, especially in on-off applications. At the same time, supervisors tire of reminding staff to comply. Even where safety systems are fitted, operators routinely attempt to trick them by fastening their seat belts permanently behind them.
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has overcome this issue on its latest range of EDiA electric trucks with a seat belt compliance feature: a switchable option that allows the employer to ensure wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
If this is selected, for the operator to drive the forklift or operate the hydraulics, three steps must be followed:
- sit on the seat (to activate the seat switch)
- Turn on the ignition
- fasten the seat belt to (activate the seat belt switch)
If this sequence is completed the truck can be driven and the hydraulics will function. If, however, the sequence is not completed correctly, or if the operator has tried to get around it, the machine cannot be used.
“Sometimes, the simple stuff can have the greatest impact,” sums up Stewart Gosling. “We may not be able to change an operator’s natural instincts but now we can make a life-or-death difference by ensuring seatbelts are worn.”
To find out more about the seat belt function and other safety innovations, visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk/en/eu/edia-safety-features contact your local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealership or call the Greenline on 0845 3713048.
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Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Trade Magazine
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@intrademagazine.com
