The VAS (The Visual Alert System) solution is an innovative system that warns pedestrians and / or forklifts in risk situations by projecting signals on the ground. This modern system has been achieving great results and is highly requested by our customers for their work spaces.

This solution – which consists of warning projections on the ground as those seen in the video -, is highly innovative and makes a real difference when organising the traffic of pedestrians and forklifts in our industries.

We have seen time and time again that the implementation of this solution in a workspace considerably reduces the number of occupational accidents, it alerts operators and it keeps them informed about situations that require attention more efficiently than other solutions.

It’s important to remember that the projector’s lenses can come in either one, two or three colours and the projected symbol is customisable. Some examples of what can be projected are:

• A forklift.
• A pedestrian.
• A STOP warning sign.
• A crosswalk.
• A speed limit sign.
• A “no smoking” notice or an indication that mobile use is prohibited.
• Among many other options…
  

This system stands out over other warning and signalling options because:

• It is easier to visualise and therefore more effective. Ground projections have better visibility than those projected at height.
• They are more efficient than panoramic mirrors. When the projector emits its signal on the ground it’s easier to get people’s attention.
• It provides a much more direct and easy warning to workers, who can circulate more safely.
  
  

There are other advantages to the VAS system which we highlighted in this recent article.  

The many benefits of this system are the reason why more and more customers choose to have this tool installed in their workplaces.

Are you keen to find out more about our solutions?

Do you need advice on any of our products?

Don’t hesitate to contact us.

One of the aspects our customers tend to value most from our range of safety tools is their ability to be combined and integrated into their daily work to achieve much more efficient and safe processes that greatly impact the reduction of occupational accidents.

In this regard, today we’d like to talk about four different solutions that work in perfect harmony to improve the operation and safety in heavy machinery entry and exit spaces in our industries.

1. Solución TCS (Traffic Control System). This solution issues a proper warning when pedestrians enter the heavy machinery transit zone. Ideal for separating operators from trucks/forklifts, Through the use of traffic lights, signalling beacons, safety gates and railings, drivers and operators can be notified of each other’s presence so as to prevent accidents.
   
   
2. TDS Solution (Truck Docking System). A tool specially designed to assist drivers, particularly during loading and unloading manoeuvres at the docks. This solution takes into account the intense work dynamics in these spaces and stands out for its durability and resistance, having achieved very good results among our clients.
   
   
3. LSA Solution. A tool designed to limit vehicle speed in cargo spaces and, consequently, to help prevent accidents. The LSA Solution is an electronic system specially designed to complement the safety tools of cargo vehicles and to reduce their speed in areas where operators or other pedestrians appear on foot. It is certainly of key importance in spaces where there’s a lot of movement as those mentioned.
   
   
4. And finally, Collision avoidance system (CAS-G2). A state-of-the-art tool that adapts perfectly to heavily trafficked spaces and serves to reduce accidents caused by collisions of cargo vehicles. It is a driver support system that provides more information about the space through which it circulates, and it allows the person in charge of the vehicle to know where other trucks/forklifts are located.
   
   

Do you have any questions? Specific inquiries? Would you like to find out more about these or solutions?

Don’t hesitate to contact us! We are here to help!

As explained in our earlier chapters, in this series we are focusing on some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labour, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

Today, we’ll be analysing the incidence of fatal blows in the total number of work accidents, the risk they entail and some of the ways these can be prevented. We will also discuss some of the tools that can be used to prevent all the risks associated to this issue.

First, it’s important to remember that in the US, one in four deaths in the construction industry are the result of the collision with a vehicle. In general, being hit by an object is a very recurrent cause of accidents in the industrial world, and in the construction sector, in particular, up to 75% of fatal blows involve heavy equipment, such as trucks, forklifts or cranes.

OSHA’s manuals highlight the importance for occupational health and safety programs to include the many ways in which collision accidents can occur, breaking them down into the following categories:

1. Vehicles.
2. Falling objects or moving through the air.
3. Building block walls.
   
   

Some of OSHA’s suggested measures to apply include:

• Wearing a seat belt.
• Checking the vehicles before each work shift.
• Avoid driving a vehicle in reverse with an obstructed rear view unless there’s an audible reverse alarm or another worker to assist.
• Operating vehicles or equipment only on roads or slopes that are safely constructed and maintained.

Also, it’s important to ensure that:

• Any areas where lifting or emptying devices are to be used are free of workers.
• Lowering or blocking the grader and scraper blades, rear loader, dump bodies, etc. when not in use.
• Applying the parking brakes when parking.
• Not exceeding the load for which the vehicle is rated or its lifting capacity, among other various points.
  
  

At Claitec we have developed various systems that help our clients prevent this type of serious accidents.

The PAS (Pedestrian Alert System) – one of our most requested tools – is designed to minimise any risks of collisions between forklifts and pedestrians in common work areas.

The PCS (Pedestrian Cross Safety System), reduces any risks due to collisions between forklifts and pedestrians in areas of high pedestrian traffic.

The BS (Blind Spot System), extremely helpful in poor visibility areas.

And the NAS (Narrow Aisle Safety System) which, minimises the risks of collision between forklifts in narrow work spaces.

These are just some of the many solutions developed by our team which are being applied with great success in all types of industries.

Do you have any questions about this system?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

As explained in our earlier chapters, in this series we are focusing on some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

Today, we’ll be focusing on the analysis made by such institution on the importance of creating safe work spaces in our industries, and how investing in safety always ends up having a positive impact on other dimensions of the business.

The primary goal of the safety and health programs developed by OSHA is to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace, as well as to avoid the suffering and financial hardship that these events can cause to workers, their families, and employers. Their best practices suggest a proactive approach to managing safety and health in the workplace, and OSHA emphasises that having safe workspaces also results in companies that are strong in all areas.

The agency highlights the fact that the implementation of their recommended practices will help companies in:

• Preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Improving compliance with laws and regulations.
• Reducing costs including significant cuts in compensation premiums for workers.
• Engaging workers.
• Improving their social responsibility goals.
• Increasing productivity.
• Improving overall business operations.
  
  

By looking at it this way, the approach to spending on occupational health and safety can be understood from an ethical and human point of view, as well as from a purely financial point of view – safety is thus seen as a long-term investment that will generate a real financial impact and a clear return for the organisation.

Continue reading part 6

Do you have any questions about this system?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

As explained in our two earlier chapters, in this series we are focusing on some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

Today, we’ll be discussing OSHA’s recommendations pertaining to the prevention of falls in the workplace, and comment on the benefits of Claitec’s Fall Protection System, an ideal solution for hazardous areas designed to stop the machine’s operation to prevent further damages.

According to data published by OSHA in its “Stop Falls” campaign, falls are the main cause of death in construction. Anyone working in this sector knowns how prevalent and widespread falls are.

The following tips will help us prevent this type of work-related accident by planning our tasks well in advance in order to be able to observe and understand the potential risks and take the appropriate measures.

Similarly, it’s important to include in the total cost estimate of any work the amount corresponding to the appropriate equipment for working at heights, in such a way as to be able to provide the operators with everything they need to safely perform their tasks, covering all risks and providing the greatest possible number of protection mechanisms for our employees. In addition, OSHA emphasises the need to provide trainings that ensure operators understand how they should proceed and what measures they must take to be safe.

Claitec has been working on this issue for a long time and our team has developed a helpful system that has already prevented many serious accidents and improved overall safety in many workplaces – the Fall Protection System.

The FPS System consists of a retractable safety device which, is anchored to a fixed element and connected to the worker with a safety harness. When a fall occurs, the harness tenses up and the Fall Protection Device detects this tension. This device is also responsible for sending the stop signal to the machinery in the plant, causing a quick halt in the functioning of the machine, which results in a quick stop of its operation, eliminating all risks and preventing serious injuries or fatal accidents.

Continue reading part 5

Do you have any questions about this system?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

As explained in our two earlier chapters, in this series we are focusing on some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

Today, we’ll be discussing OSHA’s Safety Practices Once Tractor Trailers arrive at their destination –  Indications that are well worth taking into account when manoeuvring any type of cargo vehicle – be it truck, trailer or forklift – whenever these are in operation in our industries such as in the cases of  loading docks or storage areas.

The following tips apply to three different movements:

1. When parking
   a) Park on level ground and close to the receiving door or site
   b) Set and test brakes
   c) Place wheel chocks between the tandem wheels of the trailer
   d) Do not attempt to stop a rolling vehicle.
   
   
2. When Backing up
   a) Get out and look
   b) Use flashers, horn, and backup alarms
   c) Check both side mirrors
   d) Roll down windows to hear
   e) Know your vehicle’s blind spots
   f) Use a spotter
   g) Back up slowly
   
   
3. When coupling and uncoupling
   a) Only trained workers should perform this procedure
   b) Ensure stable footing when releasing the fifth wheel or adjusting tandems
   c) Wear bright visible clothing
   d) Set parking brakes and perform tug test
   e) Keep clear of tires and frames
   f) Check for vehicular traffic near you
   
   

All these suggestions added to our prior knowledge will undoubtedly be extremely helpful in improving occupational safety in our industries and preventing workplace accidents.

Continue reading part 4

Do you have any questions about this system?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

Second instalment on OSHA coming soon!

As explained in part one of this series, the following articles will be focused on trying to understand some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

The following are some valuable tips highlighted in the OSHA Pocket Guide for warehouse workers to keep in mind:

First, it is important to note that the Guide indicates that fatal accidents occur in greater proportion in warehouses than in other industrial spaces. As earlier explained, these facts are associated with the incorrect use of forklifts, problems in organising and storing stock, the misuse of personal safety elements, problems complying with previously established safety standards, and shortcomings in fire control systems and repetitive motion injuries, among several other factors.

The Guide also analyses a wide variety of potential risks that lurk around in warehouse spaces and it presents a list of the most frequent risks, including those associated with forklifts and miscommunications, such as not explaining procedures clearly, not keeping track of tools or substances being processed, and not providing up-to-date training.

In addition, some of the most frequent potential risks are also related to electrical wiring and to the design of the electrical system, problems with openings, blind spots and doors, and air pollution problems.

The OSHA Pocket Guide offers a detailed analysis of each of these risks and a number of recommendations to be implemented in order to solve them.

We can’t recommend you consult this document enough.

We are sure that you will find valuable elements to help you continue advancing in your quest towards occupational safety and the reduction of workplace accidents in your industry.

Continue reading part 3 here

Do you have any questions about this topic?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

When talking about occupational health and safety and the prevention of industrial accidents, there is a key reference that is well worth knowing and keeping in mind – the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
That’s why in this post and in future instalments, we would like to discuss its role and other relevant aspects of this organisation what are relevant to the safety of your business.

The objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is “to guarantee safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by establishing and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance”.

OSHA’s standards are rules that “describe the methods that employers must follow by law to protect their employees against hazards.” According to the administration itself, before OSHA can issue a safety standard, this must be subjected to an extremely broad and lengthy process that includes a high degree of public participation, notification, and evaluation.  

The construction, marine, agricultural, and general industry standards issued by OSHA protect employees from a wide range of serious hazards. Among other things, these standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals that employees can be exposed to, it dictates the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and it requires employers to keep certain hazards in the workplace under control.

Some examples of OSHA’s standards are:

• The requirements to provide fall protection.
• To prevent landslides during ditching activities.
• To prevent exposure to some infectious diseases,
• To ensure the safety of employees entering restricted spaces.
• To prevent exposure to such harmful chemicals as asbestos and lead.
• To install safety guards on machinery.
• To provide respirators or other safety equipment.
• To offer training for certain dangerous jobs, as detailed by the agency itself on its website.
  
  

OSHA’s standards promote greater care in the occupational safety and protection of operators against occupational accidents – something which is very much in line with the measures Claitec enforces on a daily basis.

Continue reading part 2 here

Do you have any questions about this system?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

One of the questions we most frequently get asked by our customers pertains to the maximum speed forklifts should be circulating to prevent work accidents. This is a natural concern given that the daily work dynamics increasingly involves the coexistence of operators with several of these heavy vehicles in the same space. This forces us to establish parameters and general operating regulations to improve occupational safety and prevent workplace accidents.

There is no regulation establishing a specific speed range, although many safety managers rely on the technical notes published by INSHT institutes in each country. In general, it is considered acceptable to maintain a speed circulation of 20 km/h in open outdoor spaces, and a limit of 10 km/h in indoor spaces where pedestrians coexist regularly.

At Claitec we have also developed a range of solutions that keep forklift operators safe at all times.

Solutions like the Pedestrian Alert System (PAS), a tool that alerts drivers when it detects a person at adjustable distances from 1 to 6.5 meters. It is a unique system capable of differentiating people from objects, and even detecting operators behind walls or shelves!

The PAS System minimises the number of accidents, reduces the risk of being run over, and generates safer and more efficient work environments. It can be easily complemented with other safety systems.

Another option is the LSA Solution, an electronic safety device which limits the circulation speed of forklifts. It is specially designed to complement the safety tools of the vehicle and to reduce its speed in areas where there are operators on foot. This solution is a great ally to help you reduce accidents and collisions between vehicles, often caused by speeding.

Once the LSA Solution is installed, its operation is remarkably simple, and it does not require any action from the operator. The forklift that is equipped with this system reacts when entering an area in which its use was determined, and it activates a signal that forces it to adapt to the established limit, which can be selected as either “slow” or “fast”.

Beyond the above, our safety technician – a professional with extensive experience in the matter and in constant contact with factories and warehouses -, recommends analysing each specific case to adopt the most appropriate safety measures in each company.

In addition, there are some factors to consider to ensure you are making an appropriate decision:

1. Forklifts of different types or manufacturers differ in size, weight, and construction materials. These characteristics must be taken into account to establish the proper speed of the vehicle – the heavier the vehicle, the lower the speed should be.
   
   
2. The condition of the aisles through which the trucks circulate must also be taken into account. The surface resistance and its anti-slip ability will determine the distance necessary to brake the vehicle.
   
   
3. Another element of essential importance is the visibility of the driver. Driving speed should be slower in areas of poor visibility.
   
   
4. Ramps, curves, and road obstacles should be considered. The speed of the truck must be lower as the inclination of a ramp increases. Also, quick turns should be avoided at all times.
   
   
5. Once the appropriate speed limit has been determined in each case, it will be necessary to guarantee its compliance by all operators. Effective communication with employees is essential to achieve this goal. And it is advisable to sign at appropriate intervals and places the agreed speed limit, as a reminder for drivers.
   
   

If you have any questions or are interested in applying any of our solutions to your work environment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.