Australian companies are taking steps to reduce the number of accidents involving forklifts, arguably the best form of remedy is to remove forklift fleets altogether and replace them with an automated version which all but ensures people will not be injured.

Industrial Conveying (Aust) Pty Ltd is using its design-to-completion capabilities to fit out warehouses and processing plants with Automated Warehouse Trucks (AWTs). Operating completely without driver assistance, AWTs navigate using a laser guided or a spot system (or a dual system using both). The laser guided system utilises a sensor on top of each truck that scans appropriately positioned reflectors to determine its position while it navigates and carries out inventory assignments. This technology is a fast tracked development in turnkey materials handling that has taken a step towards eliminating warehouse reliance forklift truck fleets.

The company's expanded service capability will suit many industries including food and retail, warehousing and third party logistics, general engineering and transport.

Because human intervention is taken out of the equation, an AWT-based system does not stop for lunch breaks, can work multiple shifts without tiring, it does not take sick leave, and it improves overall OH&S as personnel involvement around AWTs is far lower than with lift trucks.

This last point is the critical factor. Across Australia, government agencies have released figures identifying the forklift accidents are far too overrepresented across all industries, class millions of dollars in compensation is being paid out each year.

AWT technology performs the same functions as do for quirks, but it takes much of the human element out of the equation and hence reduces the risk of accidental injury.

On an operational level, AWT technology has a 'high lift' option with a Tri-lateral head allows 180 degree rotation for fast access to all parts of a storage facility.

Managing Director of Industrial Conveying, Mr Don Erskine, says the introduction of AWT-based turnkey solutions coincides with the company's general expansion around Australia.

"With many large warehouse-based companies around Australia, our AWT solution is well timed to enter the market," said Mr Erskine.

"Australian companies are genuinely looking for technical solutions to materials handling needs and our turnkey capability ensures they no longer have to look overseas for product, design and implementation."

Apart from increasing output and safety, AWT systems have a very short investment payback time and maintain a high level of work quality even on a 24/7 operation.

The technology has flexibility application to integrate with just about any warehouse management system.

Counterbalanced vehicles can use various attachments including pallet forks, reel forks, reel clamps or reach forks.