How to Deal with Blind Spots

We all know that forklifts are cumbersome vehicles and that visibility poses a greater problem than it does in an automobile. In previous posts, we discussed the virtues of the forklift dome mirror and the ergo back-up handle, both of which are vitally important when it comes to rear visibility. In addition to purchasing these necessary products, however, there are some general concerns you need to be aware of to deal with blind spots and prevent a major injury from taking place.

Where is the blind spot on a forklift and how large is it?

The blind spots on a forklift is dependent on the size of the vehicle. It is important to remember that the larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spot. If you drive forklifts of different sizes, take some time to familiarize yourself with the blind spot locations before you begin driving. A good rule of thumb is to be aware that on a moderately-sized forklift, the blind spots are generally around 8 feet to the front left, 6 feet on the left rear, and 3-4 feet on each side.

Be Aware of Objects in Your Blind Spot

How to prevent injury from happening

The first step in preventing an injury is simply being cognizant of where the blind spots are located. In addition to this, you want to make sure that you sound the forklift horn at intersections, and always look in the direction in which you are travelling. It’s also very important to engage both your ears and your eyes. Don’t listen to music, as this will prevent you from hearing pedestrians and nearby vehicles that might be out of sight. When driving near other vehicles, keep around 8 meters distance, as this will go a long way toward keeping our vehicle out of the blind spot of another vehicle.

Pedestrians need to take responsibility, too

It’s easy to criticize forklift operators for injuries that occur due to blind spots. However, pedestrians need to do all they can to stay out of the blind spots of forklift operators. Accordingly, they should always try and make eye contact with the forklift operators. Keeping separate lanes for forklifts and pedestrians is another way of protecting pedestrians.

Being aware of blind spots is one of the most challenging aspects of driving a forklift. Taking these factors into consideration will prevent a blind spot-related injury from occurring.