Following a successful trial with several AXA customers, the insurer has now rolled out its new safety initiative for forklift trucks in the UK.
Developed in partnership with CCTV and telematics firm VUE, the in-vehicle technology aims to reduce accidents and drive positive changes in behaviours. Citing data from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, AXA said 42% of work-related fatalities involve workplace transport.
In addition, the major provider reported having received 281 claims from incidents involving forklift trucks in the period between March 2017 and March 2018.
The safety initiative involves the installation of two cameras – forward-facing and driver-facing – that are linked to an online system to facilitate monitoring and immediate review. A black box is also installed in order to record data such as speed, braking, and location to come up with driver performance ratings that are also viewable online.
“Our work as an insurer goes much further than selling products and paying claims,” said Douglas Barnett, AXA Insurance’s head of mid-market and customer risk management. “Our aim is to make sure our policyholders minimise their risks and, more importantly, stay safe.”
According to Barnett, AXA’s partnership with VUE on forklift truck safety fits the insurer’s ethos perfectly. Citing the scheme’s pilot, he also highlighted the importance of proper monitoring and its impact on driver behaviour and on accident figures.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with AXA on this project,” commented VUE group chief executive Glen Mullins. “Having worked closely with the AXA risk team for many years it is great to be able to take our learnings from the application of VUEmatics technology to vehicle fleets and implement them in the forklift truck environment.
“Together I am sure we can reduce the number of unnecessary workplace accidents.”
