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Mirrors reduce forklift collisions with people in the workplace

On Behalf of | Oct 20, 2017 | Construction Worker Injuries, Industrial Worker Injuries, Workers' Compensation |

Industrial production facilities and warehouses in Minnesota typically involve workers moving on foot and driving forklifts. Blind spots at intersections of racks or on loading docks present dangers. A forklift driver might run into a co-worker on foot, or two people rushing in different directions on foot might collide. Either situation introduces the potential for injuries and spills of hazardous materials. The background noise of heavy equipment could make people tune out beeping forklifts, but wall- or ceiling-mounted mirrors increase everyone’s range of vision.

Convex industrial safety mirrors built from tough polycarbonate compounds can withstand demanding indoor or outdoor environments. When safety managers mount the correct models in the right locations, workers can see around corners and avoid collisions. These mirrors also have high-visibility borders that attract the eyes of workers. They also can have safety messages printed on them.

Safety managers could fit outdoor loading docks with a convex mirror that provides a 160-degree view. Other models of safety mirrors include 90-degree quarter domes that let people see around corners as they approach an intersection. T-intersections benefit from the installation of 180-degree half dome mirrors, and full 360-degree dome mirrors improve views in all directions at four-way intersections. Although off-the-shelf mirrors could suffice in some applications, safety managers might need to obtain custom mirrors to meet the precise safety needs of a facility.

In addition to addressing safety risks, every employer has an obligation to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Someone injured on the job can apply for these benefits, which could pay for medical care, lost pay or disability. If a person experiences difficulty accessing these benefits because an employer blocks access, or the insurer denies a claim, an attorney could advocate for the person’s rights. A lawsuit could pressure the insurer into compensating the person appropriately.

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