SafeLift and AppAid [lifting device safety systems]

With the increasing use of forklifts for heavy material handling, the risks posed to the safety of drivers as well as pedestrians is significant. According to OSHA, one person dies due to a forklift accident every three days.  Current methods to reduce forklift accidents include driver training, equipment maintenance and designated areas of operation. Looking at aforementioned statistic these strategies do not seem to be enough. In this report, we present a solution that we believe will improve workplace safety. Our product consists of a hardware component, SafeLift and a software component, AppAid. Our proposed solution for SafeLift will employ the use of RFID tags and several ultrasonic sensors mounted on strategic positions on the forklift. These will be used to detect obstacles and bystanders in proximity of collision with the forklift. Data captured by the sensors are transmitted to a control unit that alerts the operator through a system of audio and visual warning devices. In blind spots, where operator and pedestrians are not aware of each other, this can be exceptionally useful. AppAid will be available on android platform for the beta stages before rolling it out onto the iOS platform.