New automated guided vehicle technology at Carlton United Breweries

Forklifts and other mobile plant are a significant safety issue in many industries. Workers and bystanders can be seriously injured if these risks are not properly managed. On-site traffic management (OSTM) is a major issue for many different workplaces.

To address its onsite traffic management risks, Carlton United Breweries (CUB) decided to introduce new technology, which it says has been a game changer.

The CUB experience – a case study

Mobile plant and pedestrians interact on a daily basis at CUB. Following a risk assessment, CUB identified numerous safety hazards associated with these interactions and determined greater control measures were needed.

What was the risk?

• personnel and visitors were accessing high-risk mobile plant areas of the site, such as the warehouse storage and vehicle loading zones
• there were uncontrolled mobile plant traffic flows on site, creating risk to persons and damage to property.

What was the solution?

• CUB invested and introduced an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system
• the AGVs detect people and other objects in close proximity and stop forklifts immediately.

What was the outcome?

• CUB reported reduced risk and improved workplace safety to its workers and others in and around areas where mobile plant operates
• the risk of forklifts colliding with and causing damage to other vehicles and objects was also reduced.

More information

For more information to help manage OSTM risks at your workplace, check-out these resources:

• Auto guided vehicles case study: Carlton United Breweries
• Onsite traffic management campaign
• Injury Prevention and Management (IPaM) program - For tailored assistance from a WHSQ Industry Strategy advisor.