Optimal protection for driver, goods, and operations
The figures speak for themselves. In 2015 alone, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) logged almost 32,000 reportable accidents involving industrial trucks. If you get off lightly, such an accident only damages materials. In the worst case, they can result in loss of life or limb for your employees. Whatever happens, they always leave you with costs – in some cases substantial ones. Operational safety and safety at work are therefore important topics for the management in charge of intra-company material flow.
With the motto “Zero Accidents”, Linde Material Handling is pursuing a comprehensive philosophy of safety. The goal: Logistics which avoids 100 percent of accidents. With this in mind, Linde is developing technical innovations in our industrial trucks, as well as intelligent assistance systems, comprehensive training programs, and consulting services. The result is integrated solutions which help operators to master the diverse challenges of modern, safe intralogistics.
Safety as standard
The demands placed upon modern industrial trucks and their operators are continually increasing. The trucks have to transport ever heavier loads, clear ever higher heights, and work faster, more flexibly, and more efficiently. As the demands increase, so does the risk of an accident. Forklifts and warehouse handling equipment from Linde therefore have numerous features as standard that increase both active and passive safety.
Linde Protector Frame
Linde Protector Frame
Thus, for example, the Linde Protector Frame on the Linde counterbalanced forklift truck offers outstanding protection for the driver, because the driver’s protective canopy and frame form a complete, enclosed protective space. Via the overhead tilt cylinder, the truck’s load is distributed equally across its entire structure. In addition, the configuration of the tilt cylinder allows the use of slim profile lift masts. This gives the driver an optimal field of vision. In order to effectively guard against the truck tipping over in all loading and driving situations, the overall system is designed such that the center of gravity is as far forward and as low down as possible.
Driver's compartment of reach truck
Driver's compartment of reach truck
Similar design details which help to improve safety are to be found on all Linde industrial trucks. The driver or operator’s workplace is outfitted such that the driver’s entire body stays within the contours of the truck, while at the same time allowing the user to keep an eye on their surrounding environment.
Intelligent Assistance Systems
Technology is not the only crucial element in safety, however. More than 90 percent of all accidents at work can be traced back to human error. And this is exactly where Linde Material Handling’s driver assistance systems come into play. They actively support the driver in keeping their working day safe. Using solutions such as Linde SpeedAssist and Linde CurveAssist, the electronics automatically adjust the power output of the engine and the maximum speed of the truck to the environment and the driving situation.
Linde Safety Pilot
Linde Safety Pilot
The Linde Safety Pilot is a milestone in the development of safety systems. As an intelligent co-driver, the system keeps the driver informed of all the most important parameters at all times. This includes, amongst other things, the current load weight or the maximum possible lift height. But that’s not all. As soon as certain limits are reached, the Linde Safety Pilot actively intervenes and prevents operating errors.
Dynamic Mast Control
Dynamic Mast Control
Further examples of intelligent assistance systems are developments such as Dynamic Mast Control or Linde BlueSpot. Dynamic Mast Control actively compensates for any to and fro movements of the mast on a lift truck. This allows forklift drivers to operate precisely and safely even at maximum height and with heavy loads. Linde BlueSpot again increases safety in areas in which people and forklifts work closely together.
Safety begins with the driver
Well-trained drivers are a deciding factor in reducing the incidence of accidents and material damage. Via the Linde Academy, Linde Material Handling offers a comprehensive education and training program for novice drivers and specialists in all types of trucks. The focus here is on seminars in which specialists such as driving instructors and safety officers can offer basic and further training in both theory and practice. This helps Linde to help their customers continually improve the safety of their intralogistics.
Digital fleet management as a safety feature
connect:pre-shift-check App
connect:pre-shift-check App
With the digital fleet management solution connect: too, Linde offers numerous functions which improve the safety of drivers. Using the personalized access controls, the operator can individually configure the truck for a particular driver. Depending on the driver’s qualifications and the intended purpose of the truck, for example, the maximum speed can be limited. In turn, when beginning work the driver can verify the condition of their truck using an app. In addition, connect: offers functions such as electronic damage monitoring, automated transmission of error codes, and analysis of usage data.
En route to “Zero Accidents”
The thread running through everything offered by Linde Material Handling is the “Zero Accidents” philosophy. This is based on a vision of preventing 100 percent of accidents in intralogistics – through products that set new records in safety thanks to their design, service offers which enable people to optimally configure their working environments, and innovative digital solutions that help operators to continually improve their processes.