In context
In mid-2024, industrial safety remained a top priority for manufacturers, especially around material handling equipment. Forklift-related accidents were a persistent concern, with the National Safety Council reporting 73 work-related deaths in 2022 and nearly 25,000 non-fatal injuries in 2021-22. On National Forklift Safety Day, Glencore highlighted a proactive technical solution to mitigate risks in a high-traffic recycling environment.
What was reported
Glencore, a global commodity trading and mining company, reported a reduction in forklift safety incidents at its recycling facility in Rhode Island after deploying the ELOshield proximity detection system from ELOKON. The facility, where 35 employees process electronic materials for smelting and refining, faced challenges from high forklift traffic and pedestrian proximity in a confined space.
ELOshield uses two-way ranging ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to warn operators when pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles are too close. Glencore equipped all forklifts and personnel, including visitors, with the system, and adjustable alert distances allowed customized safety zones tailored to the facility's needs.
Juan Carlos Molines, plant manager at Glencore, stated: "Since we installed ELOshield, we haven't had any significant incidents involving forklifts. The system has increased everyone's awareness and hazard perception, making our facility much safer."
Why it mattered
This case study demonstrated the practical value of retrofitting existing forklifts with advanced proximity detection, offering a scalable safety solution for manufacturing and recycling operations. The use of UWB technology, which provides precise ranging even in low-visibility areas, highlighted a path toward reducing workplace injuries and fostering a culture of heightened hazard awareness in industrial settings.
"The system has increased everyone's awareness and hazard perception, making our facility much safer."
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2024-06-19 · “Glencore improves recycling plant safety with ELOKON automated forklift system”