Softrack system reduces the risk of accidents at work with forklifts by 98%

 Report prepared based on NR12 proves the efficiency of the electronic checklist in the safe management of equipment

Forklifts are among the most used vehicles to optimize industrial, logistical and internal material handling processes, enabling productivity and efficiency in cargo handling. The fact that they are intensively used makes them the main protagonists of accidents at work in industry, warehouses and distribution centers. Accidents and incidents occurring in the operation of forklifts can be caused by several reasons, such as lack of operator training, excessive speed, lack of equipment maintenance, overload, among other aspects.

NR12 (Regulatory Standard 12) presents the minimum requirements for the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases in machines and equipment that have non-human action in their operation. This Standard covers everything from the design, manufacture, sale and import of machines and equipment to their effective use. Therefore, every company that has machinery and equipment in its industrial park that pose risks to its employees, and those indirectly involved in its operations, must comply with this Standard.

A technical report issued by AMC Engenharia Industrial Ltda, based on NR12 and ABNT NBR 12.100 in a comparative risk assessment, proves that the use of the Softrack system in the management of forklifts and other equipment for the internal handling of materials, reduces the risk of accidents at work by 98%. The report is signed by engineer Abdoral Milaré de Carvalho.

In general, problems that can lead to fines occur over the life and use of the equipment with the deterioration of characteristics or with some negligence of management that does not follow the expiration of licenses, maintenance, etc. The Softrack system requires that many of these points be checked almost continuously, with electronic recording of the conditions and the possibility of blocking the equipment or preventing an unqualified person from operating it.

The Softrack system basically consists of managing the machine through checklists made before and after the equipment is turned on, with the need for the operator to answer certain carefully selected questions that provide the conference of existing conformities, so that, when they comply, the correct use of the machine. If there are certain non-conformities in some of the steps performed, the equipment is blocked, requiring the consent of another responsible professional. This allows the company to increase safety at work through the electronic checklist and ensure transparency in the operation.

Fleet management systems monitor the work, involving the movement and performance of forklifts and internal material handling equipment, allowing alerts in case of incidents, accidents or other safety issues. Release systems for the use of equipment can prevent misuse or non-compliance with the mandatory risk assessment, as recommended by regulatory standards. An involuntary action or even its mockery can cause a fatality. The probability of this event with the Softrack device is classified as “almost impossible” in the risk analysis parameter.

A benchmark in the manufacture and supply of railway and industrial castings, AmstedMaxion has been using the Softrack system since 2016. During this period, the company managed to reduce the rate of accidents and breakdowns in the operation of forklifts in its plant by 80%. Currently, the system is installed on 18 forklifts. “We started to manage our internal occurrence control system with data from the Softrack system, which helped to identify the operator through the electronic checklist. The indicators generated by the system helped us in situations such as speed control, acceleration in elevation, adjustment of conduct and the operators' booklet”, says Edir Ribeiro Paes, the company's Planning and Logistics manager.

“Forklift telemetry and remote monitoring systems offer a variety of benefits that can help improve safety, efficiency and visibility. These systems can be particularly valuable for organizations that rely heavily on forklifts in their operations,” reinforces Ricardo Alexandre Raschiatore, director of Softrack.

 About Softrack

Founded in 2013, Softrack was born with the aim of innovating in the area of ​​fleet management of equipment for internal handling. The company designs and manufactures its own systems and equipment with 100% national technology, thus managing to offer the most complete and specific solution for the Brazilian market. Showing significant growth since its foundation, it operates throughout Brazil and Latin America, with its system operating in more than 3.500 pieces of equipment and in more than 100 customers.