Improving Pedestrian Safety in a Forklift Environment

Can traffic accidents happen only in parking lots or on busy streets?

Unfortunately, no. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 20,000 workers are seriously injured each year in the United States due to forklift-related incidents. 100 employee fatalities are also reported due to the same reason. Many workers and employers are unaware of forklift hazards and are not following the procedures set forth in federal regulations or equipment manufacturer guidelines.

Pedestrian safety can be improved with appropriate preventative measures in environments with frequent forklift traffic. Detailed awareness training, effective traffic management, and the use of proper safety equipment make this possible. Both drivers and pedestrians can make a difference in reducing forklift-related accidents.

Employee Training

Employees who work around forklifts (whether directly or not) are responsible for safe forklift operations. The following pointers can help ensure that forklift operations remain safe for pedestrians and operators alike:

• Only qualified drivers should operate forklifts, and forklift operators should always be aware of pedestrians in the area.
• Operators should stay in marked routes, slow down, and sound their horns when approaching intersections, corners, or turns.
• Pedestrians should be aware of forklifts in the area and maintain a safe distance. Pedestrians should pause to look both ways before stepping through a side door, around a corner, or into an aisle.
• Employees approaching forklifts should make sure that the driver is aware of their presence. Pedestrians should always approach them from the side, never directly in front or behind, and only when the vehicle comes to a full stop.
• Employees should never try to overtake a forklift. Let the forklift pass instead.
• Employees should avoid standing in areas where they may be pinned against a wall or fixture.
• Employees should not walk or work beneath truck loads.
• Most forklifts accommodate one driver only. Employees may only ride when a proper seat is provided.
• Trucks should not exceed their load capacity.
• Immediately report malfunctions and other problems to the proper personnel.
• Aisles and adjacent areas should be clear of obstructions. Clean up spills promptly.

Traffic Management Measures

Warehouses, industrial plants, and other large facilities should implement protocols regarding the right of way. Vehicle and pedestrian routes should remain separate as much as possible, identified by the proper signage and pavement lines. Operators and pedestrians should be familiar with both routes, not just the ones they are most likely to use.  When applicable, facilities should also have traffic barriers set up.

Safety Equipment 

Forklifts must have horns and warning lights. Alarms are also extra safety precautions to add to any machinery in your warehouse. Curved mirrors can improve pedestrian visibility, especially at intersections. Pedestrians should always wear high-visibility vests when walking or working near high-traffic areas.

Pedestrian forklift safety is an important part of your warehouse safety program. Promote forklift safety awareness to constantly remind your employees to pay attention and be aware of their surroundings. Emedco offers innovative warehouse safety products to help reduce accidents involving industrial equipment and improve your facility’s safety tactics.