What makes today’s forklifts safer to operate than ever before? Experts name some of the most important improvements of the past few years and explain why forklifts of the future are likely to be even safer. If a forklift driver who retired 20 years ago came back to work in a warehouse or DC today, he or she would be surprised by how much lift trucks have changed. Just as in the auto industry, vehicle design, fuel efficiency, and on-board technology have all improved dramatically in just the last few years. One area that has seen some of the biggest improvements is safety. Manufacturers of forklifts and accessories have devoted a great deal of effort to developing innovative products that help operators use lift trucks more safely. And whether safety features are integral to the lift truck’s design or after-sale add-ons, the objective is the same: fewer accidents and a safer workplace for operators and pedestrians alike. As part of our special coverage for National Forklift Safety Day 2016, we asked forklift manufacturers to identify some of the most important safety improvements of the past few years. Here, in no particular order, are their top picks: Operator presence systems. “Operator presence systems” prevent forklifts from traveling without a driver seated properly at the controls. According to Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), which says it was the first lift truck manufacturer to introduce them to the North American market, these systems stop certain hydraulic and transmission functions when the operator does not fasten the seat belt during operation or leaves the normal operating position without activating the parking brake. One example is UniCarriers Americas’ version, which halts the truck by shifting it into neutral and locks out hydraulic functions if the operator is not seated, explains product manager Tony […]