Industrial Workers Perception of Reverse Motion Warning Devices on Forklifts

Abstract

In the United States, forklift accidents account for one in every six workplace fatalities (Bostelman and Shackleford, 2010). Backup warning devices such as tonal alarms and blue safety lights are commonly used to alert pedestrians of approaching forklifts. The purpose of this research is to identify worker’s perception on the effectiveness of two configurations of backup alarm systems: the level of nuisance perceived of these systems; and the importance of having a forward motion warning system. Results of this study indicate no statistically significant differences in the level of satisfaction between facilities using tonal backup alarms and facilities that use both tonal backup alarms along with blue safety lights. Additionally, results of this study indicate that the majority of the pedestrians and forklift operators sampled are in favor of having forward motion warning devices installed on forklifts.