Safety mirrors have become more and more popular due to the ability to see in a 360˚ view when in the workplace. A simple convex mirror can not only cut down on the amount of accidents but also thefts. However, bear in mind that each location will have different security goals; so size, shape and exact location will be majorly influenced.
Mirrors come in a variety of shapes and sizes to coincide with their intended location.
| Mirror Type | Ideal Useage |
|---|---|
| Traffic | A wide and far distance of vision on major roadways. |
| Blind Spot | Loading areas and shipping departments. Enabling the drivers to gauge an accurate position of their vehicle |
| Sureillance/Security | Improve visibility in commercial environments and act as a theft deterrent |
| Hemisphere | Provides an ultimate overview of the surrounding area. The Quarter hemisphere is ideal for corner use, the half increases peripheral vison and full hemisphere provides a 360 degree view. |
Safety Mirrors in Warehouses
A convex mirror is a great component for a warehouse, there are two types usually used. Round convex mirror and a dome mirror. A round convex mirror will provide the clearest reflection, least image distortion and cover more area.
Dome mirrors are best suited to looking for motion in areas such as in areas with forklift and pedestrian traffic, if more detail is required a convex mirror could be best.
Why are they so important?
Although the installation can be expensive, in the long term this would not only protect employees but vehicles from collisions too. Having safety mirrors can help to prompt employees to take the necessary precautions; although they cannot prevent all accidents, they do reduce the risk of them happening.
Case Study
The importance of safety mirrors cannot be stressed enough and can be demonstrated by one of the latest HSE case study; where a waste disposal company had been fined after a worker was crushed on site.
An employee was operating a 360˚ tracked excavator as a worker stepped behind him into his “blind spot” as the excavator operator reversed. Crushing the worker, who sustained serious leg injuries which he later had to have amputated.
The HSE found there was a failure in communication between the excavator operator and the workers on the ground. Additionally, a visibility assessment was carried out on the vehicle. The result of this was:
‘the driver would have been affect by his blind spot up to 8m behind the vehicle…the reversing alarm and beacon were not functional and mirrors were missing from the side or rear of the vehicle’
The company was fined £40’000 as well as legal costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Is it worth considering safety mirrors for all vehicles as PPE in all industries?
Safety Mirrors for Forklift Trucks
There are two types of mirrors you could use in a forklift to aid visibility.
- Convex Mirror
As mentioned before these offer the clearest reflection and large viewing angles. - Clip on convex mirror
Easy to move and fit from machine to machine.
All forklift truck mirrors will help to prevent some accidents as well as other workers being protected. Side mirrors may also be useful if you are still getting blind spots down the sides of a vehicle. Convex mirrors can come in various shapes and sizes: Circular, Rectangular, Semi-circle and triangle.
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