Forklift-pedestrian separation leads today’s briefing, with a useful Canadian look at why painted walkways should not be mistaken for physical protection. We also have two fresh Canadian Job Picks tied directly to lift-truck service and material-handling equipment.
Fleet Electrification | AG Barr Replaces LPG Forklifts With 70-Truck Electric Fleet
Soft-drink manufacturer AG Barr has replaced LPG-powered forklifts across its warehouse operations with a 70-truck electric material-handling fleet supplied by Jungheinrich. The project combines lithium-ion and conventional battery-electric equipment, with trucks selected according to the requirements of individual warehouse applications.
The fleet conversion also includes charging infrastructure and warehouse safety systems. AG Barr Supply Chain Director Karl Donnan said the partnership with Jungheinrich is helping the company move its warehouse forklift fleet toward its carbon net-zero objectives. The project provides another sizeable operating example of battery-electric equipment displacing LPG in established forklift fleets rather than only in new facilities.
Safety Technology | RHI Magnesita Expands AI Forklift Safety System Fleet-Wide
RHI Magnesita has expanded an AI-powered forklift safety system from an initial deployment covering about one-third of its forklift fleet to a fleet-wide implementation. The project, developed with Trio Mobil, has now received RHI Magnesita’s META Culture Award for innovation.
The system combines three-camera AI pedestrian detection with zone-based automatic speed reduction, operator access control and audio-visual warnings. The companies also conduct monthly serious injury and fatality risk reviews using accumulated safety data to identify recurring exposure patterns and areas requiring additional attention. The project provides a useful example of forklift safety moving beyond warning operators toward actively slowing equipment in defined higher-risk areas.
Safety | Why a Painted Walkway Is Not a Forklift Barrier
Painted pedestrian lanes are commonplace in warehouses, but they should not be confused with physical separation. A new Canadian safety article from Workman Industrial argues for a layered approach that gives priority to barriers and guardrails at high-risk interaction points, backed by designated crossings, traffic rules, visual warnings, high-visibility apparel and training for pedestrians as well as forklift operators.
The article also highlights a problem familiar to busy warehouses: forklift blind spots change with the load, direction of travel, racking and congestion. Audible warnings can also lose effectiveness in noisy environments, reinforcing the value of controls that do not depend on a single warning method.
Read the Workman Industrial article
Warehouse Safety | Train the Pedestrian, Not Just the Forklift Operator
One of the more useful points in the Workman article concerns people who never operate a forklift. Office employees, contractors, truck drivers and visitors may all enter active equipment areas without understanding forklift blind spots, crossing procedures or warning systems. Site-specific pedestrian instruction should therefore be part of the traffic-management program rather than leaving non-operators to work out the rules themselves.
North American Job Picks
EHS Manager | Medtronic | Memphis, Tennessee
Medtronic is recruiting an EHS Manager for its large 24/7 Memphis distribution center. The position leads environmental, health and safety programs for the operation, including OSHA compliance, regulatory inspections, incident investigations, risk assessments and corrective-action programs. Of particular relevance to Forklift Revolution readers, Medtronic specifically seeks experience supporting powered industrial truck, forklift or material-handling-equipment safety programs. The posting is currently scheduled to close September 22.
View official Medtronic posting
Field Service Manager | Crown Lift Trucks Canada | Concord, Ontario
Crown Lift Trucks Canada is hiring a Field Service Manager to lead technicians, oversee lift-truck service work and safety practices, maintain customer relationships and develop new service business. Posted September 21, the position lists a salary range of CAD $87,200-$104,600 and prefers two to five years of material-handling industry experience.
Licensed Tradesperson | Purolator | Etobicoke, Ontario
Purolator posted this MHE-focused technical opening September 21. The position maintains, diagnoses and repairs material-handling systems including conveyors, drives, hydraulics, pneumatics and automated sortation equipment, with an emphasis on minimizing operational downtime.
View official Purolator posting
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Forklift News Daily is a curated weekday briefing from ForkliftRevolution.net covering forklifts, material handling, automation, safety, motive power and related supply-chain technology.
