Which logistics employee hasn't experienced this situation? Lost in thought, you walk along between rows of shelves and only realize at the last moment that a forklift truck or warehouse technology device has appeared in the immediate vicinity. It's a dangerous situation that doesn't always end well. This is confirmed by the statistics of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV): "collision accidents" (in which a person is hit, crushed or even run over) have accounted for 40 to 50 percent of all registered accidents involving industrial trucks in recent years.

"Drivers and pedestrians are often particularly careless when there is comparatively little traffic," says Benjamin Reis, Manager Safety Sales at Linde Material Handling. It can also be dangerous in outdoor areas - especially at dusk or when people are walking back and forth between trucks, containers and goods stacked upwards in blocks. The same applies to high-bay warehouses, hall entrances, building corners and areas with poor visibility. "In such cases, it is important that pedestrians and forklift truck drivers are warned of each other in good time and reliably. The interactive safety vest does this extremely effectively - long before they come into view," says safety expert Reis, describing the benefits for operational safety.

The vest is based on the Linde Safety Guard assistance system introduced last year, which uses an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal to send centimeter-accurate radio signals even through walls and doors. The forklift driver recognizes on his device from which direction one or more people are approaching. At the same time, the pedestrian sees, senses and hears via his personal unit that an industrial truck is approaching. Until now, the small, mobile device had to be attached to the wearer's clothing using a clip.

Safety vest with integrated warning function and Dekra award

The "interactive safety vest" from Linde Material Handling now offers more protection in the warehouse. © Linde Material Handling

The mobile unit of the Linde Safety Guard has now been optimized by integrating it into a safety vest, certified in accordance with the EN ISO 20471 high-visibility standard. The garment has LED strips at the front and back, which light up constantly at 40 percent of the nominal power even in normal conditions. If there is a threat of danger from an approaching vehicle, the LED strips switch to a conspicuous flashing mode and increase their luminosity to 200 percent of the nominal output. "This is hard to miss and ensures pinpoint safety," explains Benjamin Reis.

Wearing the interactive safety vest from Linde Material Handling also helps to ensure consistent compliance with processes and prescribed safety measures, Reis continues: "If a person is not wearing a vest, it is immediately obvious to everyone." In his opinion, the wearable also helps to reinforce the importance of safety and health protection within the company. "Last but not least, it expresses the special appreciation that company managers have for their employees and that their protection is important to them," the safety expert is convinced. Shortly before its market launch, the interactive safety vest received its first award: the Dekra Award 2019, which the global expert organization has been presenting for many years in recognition of pioneering excellence in the service of safety.

The safety experts at Linde Material Handling have thought through the design of the vest down to the last detail. For example, the position of the transmitter on the collarbone ensures that the vibration is felt very well, the sound is close to the ear and there are no shadowing effects of the radio signals. As the vest is worn all year round over a winter jacket or T-shirt, the sensor is always in the same place, which makes it easier to detect. Wetness is also not a problem due to the low voltage; the vest can be used in any weather. The power bank is housed in a water-repellent bag and supplies the system with power for up to 16 hours; the battery can be replaced in no time at all and a charging station is included. The vest is available in six sizes and is cut in such a way that it allows sufficient freedom of movement and fits comfortably, but at the same time prevents snagging.