New i-TAG System Designed to Prevent Forklift Collisions with Pedestrians

A forklift driver is coming around a blind corner of a warehouse when suddenly the forklift warns him that he’s about to collide with a pedestrian he can’t even see.

“Look out!”, the forklift shouts. The driver hits the brakes and stops just a few feet away from where the unsuspecting pedestrian stands.

Sound like something out of science fiction? It’s not. It’s actual technology available right now by BodyGuard Safety Solutions.

Avoids Workplace Collisions

The BodyGuard i-TAG uses radio signals to let forklift operators know when other workers are in the vicinity. Workers wear lanyards equipped with battery-powered sensors that can be read by an on-board unit that is attached to the forklift.

Whenever a sensor is detected in the “exclusion zone” around the forklift’s immediate vicinity, an alarm unit is activated on the forklift and a human voice issues the warning to the forklift operator.

‘Sees’ through Walls and Around Corners

The i-TAG system is hands-free and doesn’t interfere with any of the forklift operator’s other duties. The signals can be read through walls, windows, doorways and other solid objects, as well as around corners.

The forklift’s exclusion zone includes a 5 meter diameter 360 degrees around the vehicle, giving the operator plenty of time to stop once the warning has been issued. The system can be installed easily on any forklift and no programming or calibration is required.

The i-TAG also can be used in the construction, logistics and mining industries to help reduce or eliminate workplace accidents.

In addition to lanyards that can be worn by workers, the i-TAG sensors also can be attached to hard hats.

Warning Lights at High-Risk Areas

The system also can include fixed detection units which can be placed in high risk areas within a warehouse or manufacturing facility. These units can detect the approach of forklifts and activate warning lamps to warn pedestrians of the risk.

Fixed Detection Units can be adjusted to cover areas from 2 to 50 meters to ensure an appropriate detection range for almost any environment.

Many Industrial Applications

The i-TAG lanyard and fixed detection unit systems can be used in warehouses; storage and loading areas; high risk work or packing areas; doorways, entrances and exits; and outdoor pedestrian areas that intersect with forklift traffic routes.

Reducing workplace accidents has a number of benefits besides avoiding injuries. It can result in lower insurance premiums, lower repair costs for both vehicles and physical plant, and reduced downtime of equipment and employees.

It also can help companies avoid safety investigations and improve your company’s reputation for providing a safe work environment for your employees. And that could improve worker morale.