At TMJ Interiors, safety is a fundamental part of how we operate. With a busy manufacturing and warehouse environment, the safe movement of people, materials and vehicles is essential to protecting our employees, visitors and contractors.
Forklifts play a critical role in our day-to-day operations, enabling the efficient movement of materials throughout our facilities. However, wherever vehicles and pedestrians share the same space, there is an inherent risk. Managing that risk requires more than a single solution; it demands a comprehensive approach that combines robust procedures, employee awareness, continuous risk assessment and investment in the latest safety technologies.
A Proactive Approach to Risk Management
Our approach to forklift safety starts with prevention. Through regular risk assessments, clearly defined traffic management plans and ongoing employee training, we continually review how people and vehicles interact across our sites.
Pedestrian routes and vehicle operating areas are carefully managed to minimise potential hazards, while operators receive the training and support needed to ensure equipment is used safely and responsibly. By regularly reviewing our processes and identifying opportunities for improvement, we aim to create a workplace where safety remains at the forefront of every activity.
Continuous Investment in Safer Operations
At TMJ, we believe that maintaining a safe working environment requires ongoing investment and continuous improvement.
In 2024, we introduced additional forklift safety measures across our Bildeston and Ipswich facilities, including the installation of red "danger zone" lighting on our forklift fleet. These systems project a highly visible red box around each vehicle, providing a clear visual warning to pedestrians working nearby and helping to increase awareness in busy operational areas.
As part of the same programme of improvements, we also completed the transition of our forklift fleet to electric vehicles. Alongside the environmental benefits, electric forklifts offer quieter operation and modern safety features that contribute to a safer and more efficient workplace.
These enhancements formed part of our wider commitment to continually reviewing and improving safety standards across the business.
Using Technology to Enhance Safety
While strong procedures, training and awareness remain the foundation of our safety strategy, we also recognise the valuable role technology can play in further reducing risk.
Most recently, TMJ has upgraded its forklift fleet with advanced Human Form Recognition (HFR) camera systems from TrafficAngel.
The AI-powered technology is designed to identify pedestrians and other vulnerable persons in the vicinity of a forklift. When a person enters a predefined risk zone, the system provides both visual and audible alerts to the operator, helping to improve awareness of potential hazards in real time.
This additional layer of protection is particularly beneficial in busy manufacturing and warehouse environments, where visibility can occasionally be affected by stock movements, materials or site activity. The system supports operators in making safer decisions and provides further reassurance that potential risks can be identified quickly and effectively.
Find out more about the TrafficAngel Human Form Recognition system.
A Layered Safety Strategy
At TMJ, we view safety technology as an enhancement to, not a replacement for, established safety practices.
By combining effective risk assessments, employee training, traffic management measures, visual warning systems, modern electric equipment and Human Form Recognition technology, we have developed a layered approach to managing forklift and pedestrian safety.
Each measure plays an important role, but together they create a stronger and more resilient safety framework that helps reduce risk and improve awareness across the site.
Putting People First
Safety improvements are ultimately about protecting people. Every investment we make is driven by our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of employees, visitors and contractors while maintaining the highest operational standards.
As our business continues to evolve, we will continue to explore new ways to enhance workplace safety, embrace innovative technologies and ensure that everyone who works at or visits TMJ can do so with confidence.