Can AI-Based Forklift Safety Systems Help Retain Forklift Drivers?
According to Zippia, there are just under 1.6M forklift operators in the US. Approximately 65% of forklift drivers last from zero to 2 years and leave the industry. From 3 to 7 years, 26% stay in the job and then eventually leave the position and the industry. With such high turnover, and fewer people applying for these jobs, is there a way for higher retention using AI for forklift drivers?
What is AI for Forklift Drivers?
AI for forklift drivers is the advanced technology used in order to act as an aid or an extra set of eyes that only watch for the dangers of pedestrians and objects that can hinder the movement of the forklift and work that needs to be accomplished by the forklift driver. It is a technology that can be used to drive efficiency and effectiveness of the warehouse, manufacturing or distribution center.
Optimize the Flow of Goods by Eliminating Hot Spots
Another benefit that AI for forklift drivers provides is the ability to optimize the flow of goods by eliminating the hot spots. What are hot spots? These are areas where concentrated issues have occurred. These can only be tracked when AI technology is applied. As the forklift moves about the facility, the forklift safety system is moving and collecting information. This information is captured in the telemetry Dashboard. Over time, you will be able to track patterns within the facility where impacts or near misses have occurred.
These hot spots can now be analyzed in order to take corrective action to eliminate the continued issue. Once changes are made, continue to analyze the situation ensuring the impacts or near misses go down in value.
Reduce Turnover Rate
As many managers get agitated with forklift operators because orders for the shift were not completed, or efficiency rate is down, a forklift safety system can help and retain employees.
If forklift operators are allowed to focus on their jobs, and distractions are reduced, the operator can enjoy the job. If there’s an impact, the forklift safety system can take a picture of what the driver was doing during the time of the impact. If the driver knows that their actions have consequences, they will keep their private discussions or music to when it is acceptable…on their own time or break.
If the operator knows that impacts are being tracked, then they will not be as ‘bold’ during their driving time. This allows them to be more thoughtful and careful with the equipment and therefore the lives of themselves and others.
When the ability to focus on their job is allowed, and their numbers are met without interruption, they will ultimately enjoy more of their work that gains satisfaction.
Operating Equipment that is Unsafe
Any equipment that is unsafe for use should be checked with a checklist. For instance, you can put a checklist on the forklift safety system that does not pertain to the forklift. This can include an inspection for the dock and trailer.
Before the forklift begin work and enter the trailer, a checklist can come up onto the forklift safety system where it asks questions to ensure safety. This can include information on the dock, the safety of the trailer and much more. Enter in whatever questions you want for the operator to answer. This again will prevent OSHA citations today and in the future.
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Contact us today at sales@siera.ai or call us at (512) 817 0702.