09 Mar Forklift Pedestrian Safety

Forklift Pedestrian Safety

Forklifts are essential for moving materials, but they create serious hazards for employees working or walking nearby. Because forklifts are heavy, maneuver differently from automobiles, and often operate in congested areas with limited visibility, collisions can result in severe or fatal injuries.

Pedestrians working around forklifts must remain alert, respect designated travel areas, and never assume that an operator can see them.

Guide for Discussion

Understand How Forklifts Move

Forklifts do not handle like automobiles. Most forklifts steer with their rear wheels, causing the rear of the vehicle to swing outward during turns.

When working or walking near forklifts:

• Give operating forklifts plenty of room to maneuver.
• Stay clear of the rear of a forklift, especially while it is turning.
• Never position yourself between a forklift and a wall, rack, vehicle, or other fixed object.
• Do not approach a moving forklift.
• Remember that a loaded forklift may require additional distance to stop safely.
• Never attempt to squeeze past a forklift operating in a narrow aisle or congested area.

Make Sure the Operator Sees You

Forklift operators may have limited visibility because of the mast, forks, load, shelving, doorways, or other obstructions.

• Never assume the operator sees you.
• Make eye contact with the operator before entering or crossing the forklift’s travel path.
• Wait for the operator to acknowledge you before proceeding.
• Stay out of blind spots.
• Use designated pedestrian walkways and crossings whenever provided.
• Be especially cautious at intersections, doorways, aisle ends, and blind corners.

Listen for horns and other warning devices, but do not rely on them as your only warning that a forklift is approaching.

Stay Clear of Forks and Loads

Never walk or stand beneath elevated forks or a suspended load, whether the forklift is occupied or unattended.

• Keep clear of raised forks and attachments.
• Never pass beneath an elevated load.
• Stay away from unstable or shifting loads.
• Be aware that a forklift may strike shelving or stored materials and cause objects to fall into an adjacent aisle.
• Never ride on the forks or allow yourself to be lifted unless an approved personnel platform and required procedures are being used.

Cross Forklift Routes Carefully

Before entering a forklift travel lane:

• Stop and look in both directions.
• Listen for approaching equipment.
• Make eye contact with the operator when a forklift is nearby.
• Cross only when there is adequate clearance.
• Never run across a forklift’s path or attempt to “beat” an approaching forklift.
• Avoid distractions such as phones or other activities that reduce awareness while walking through forklift operating areas.

Maintain Safe Work Areas

Separating pedestrians from powered industrial truck traffic is one of the best ways to reduce collision hazards.

Where appropriate:

• Establish designated pedestrian walkways.
• Mark forklift travel lanes and pedestrian crossings.
• Install mirrors at blind intersections.
• Maintain adequate lighting.
• Keep aisles and intersections clear of obstructions.
• Use barriers, guardrails, signs, or other controls where pedestrian and forklift traffic could conflict.

Immediately report damaged barriers, blocked walkways, poor lighting, or other conditions that increase the risk of a forklift collision.

Remember

When forklifts are operating nearby, never assume the operator knows where you are. Stay out of travel lanes whenever possible, maintain a safe distance, make eye contact before crossing, remain clear of forks and loads, and always watch for unexpected forklift movement.