Digital Forklift Transformation Needs Everyone’s Involvement
In a recent article in IndustryWeek, there was a great quote that read, “Everything we’ve tried to do…is to solve real problems.” That’s exactly what safety professionals are trying to accomplish every day. Solve real problems. One of those problems is OSHA compliance for forklift safety. It has been a problem for so long that it is challenging to get management to consider a technology based solution because they have already invested in many solutions over the years. Forklift accidents still occur. What makes this one so special? It’s true that you just don’t want to get a solution that is rejected. For it to be successful, digital forklift transformation needs everyone’s involvement. Let’s take a look.
Digital Forklift Transformation Needs Everyone’s Involvement
When we take a look at digital forklift transformation, it’s good to consider not only management, who needs to pay the bills, but also the forklift operators who need to use the digital forklift inspection checklist and worker education.
Forklift Operators
Forklift operators are the first line of safety when it comes to the forklift. They are to complete a forklift checklist ensuring the forklift is in good working order. However, the problem that continues to persist is the lack of checking and the practice of ‘pencil whipping’. How can this be overcome? As part of our AI forklift safety system, the digital forklift inspection checklist is automatically included. But we need to be sure the forklift operator is included in the process.
It is important to allow the operators to experience the forklift safety system’s checklist by having them see that the process is no different. The question comes up, and the operator answers the question. Let them understand how the information is captured and how the maintenance manager uses it, and how the safety manager maintains OSHA compliance. In addition, let them also know that there is a notes place, so if they want to make a note to bring something to the manager’s attention, they have that ability digitally.
It is also important to let the drivers know that if short cuts are made, the managers can use the random feature to mix up the questions. This is to ensure accuracy of the answers. But most importantly, if they try to do it quickly, good chance the checklist will fail, a notification is immediately sent to management and the forklift won’t start. It’s always good to know this can happen and the reasons why.
Worker’s Education
Workers should also be involved when new forklift safety system is being purchased and implemented. Letting them know that there is a system ensuring that the forklift is in good working order, can allow them to feel a bit safer. In addition, they will also be happy to know that there is a warning system that informs the driver that you, the worker, has gotten within a pre-defined distance from the forklift, and you are now in danger zone. The more they know, they can help maintain that distance, and refrain from trying to ‘make it’ from crossing in back of it.
Management
Once management understands that digital forklift transformation needs everyone’s involvement, they will be more inclined to listen. They will also be involved in the reporting results. The safety manager can give management the monthly reports on how the forklift safety system is reducing injuries, accidents, and downtime while increasing productivity, and profits. How? By avoiding damages to the facility, other equipment, the dock… anything that had a price tag to fix due to impacts with the forklift.
Now that we know that digital forklift transformation needs everyone’s involvement and we know what benefits they receive, let’s get started! Contact us today.
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Contact us today at sales@siera.ai or call us at (512) 817 0702.