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Understanding the Workplace:

Figure 1. Operator cautioning pedestrian to stop.
Many pedestrians or bystanders are injured in forklift-related accidents. These injuries can occur when forklifts strike pedestrians or when
pedestrians are struck by falling loads.
Additional Resources:
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Forklift operators should always be aware of
conditions in their workplace, including pedestrian traffic. Forklift traffic
should be separated from other workers and pedestrians where possible.
Potential Hazards:
- Danger of striking pedestrians and objects
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
- Yield right of way to pedestrians.
- When a person or group of people walks across your planned route:
- Stop.
- Wait until the pedestrians pass by.
- Proceed cautiously through any congested area.
- If an area is cluttered, walk the route first to spot problems.
- Check for situations that require a spotter and use one when traveling.
- Warn pedestrians, by asking them to move, if there is not sufficient safe clearance.
- Sound the horn at blind corners, doorways and aisles.
- Sound the horn or other alarm when you back up.
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Figure 2. Yield
right of way to pedestrians.
 Figure 3. Slow
down, stop and sound horn at intersections and wherever your vision is obstructed. |
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Reminders for the Driver:

Figure 4. Sign posted in area with high pedestrian traffic. |
- Slow down, stop and sound horn at intersections, corners, and wherever your vision is obstructed.
- When provided, use flashing warning light or backup alarms when traveling in reverse.
- Do not move the truck if you do not have a clear view of travel.
- Use a spotter for blind spots.
- Always look in the direction of travel.
- Keep a clear view.
- Start, stop, travel, steer and brake smoothly.
- Signal to pedestrians to stand clear.
- Do not allow anyone to stand or pass under the load or lifting mechanism.
- When possible, make eye contact with pedestrians or other forklift
operators.
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Reminders for the Pedestrians:
- Be aware that lift trucks cannot stop suddenly. They are designed to stop slowly to minimize load damage and maintain
stability.
- Stand clear of lift trucks in operation.
- Avoid a run-in. The driver's visibility may be limited due to blind spots.
- Be aware of the wide rear swing radius.
- Use pedestrian walkways, or stay to one side of the equipment aisle.
- Never ride on a forklift, unless authorized and the forklift is designed for
riders.
- Never pass under an elevated load.
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Reminders for Plant Safety Managers:
- OSHA requires that permanent aisles and passageways be free from
obstructions and appropriately marked where mechanical handling equipment is
used. [29 CFR 1910.176(a)]
- Consider separating pedestrians from lift trucks by providing:
- Pedestrian walkways,
- Permanent railings or other protective barriers,
- Adequate walking space at least on one side, if pedestrians must use
equipment aisles,
- Pedestrian walkway striping on the floor, if barriers cannot be used.
- Install convex mirrors at blind aisle intersections.
- Post traffic control signs.
- Post plant speed limits.
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Figure 5. Do not carry passengers.
 Figure
6. Specialized platform for lifting coworker. Note: There is a guard on the back of the
platform to keep the person in the platform and protect the worker's arms and hands. |
Passengers should not be allowed on forklifts unless the
forklift is specifically designed to accommodate passengers.
Potential Hazards:
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
- The OSHA standard [29
CFR 1910.178(m)(3)] states that unauthorized personnel are prohibited from
riding on a forklift. If riders are authorized, a safe place must be provided.
- Unless authorized, never carry passengers --
NO RIDERS.
- Use only specialized equipment designed to raise personnel.
- Never transport employees on a platform. Employees can only be hoisted up
and down.
- Never transport employees on the forks.
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 Figure
7. Operator
signaling to coworker to stand back. |
Forklift operators should keep a safe distance from workers on foot and other
pedestrians.
Potential Hazards:
- Danger of striking pedestrians
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
- Warn pedestrians of your approach by horn, hand signal, or warning light.
- Maintain a safe clearance from coworkers.
- Employees should stay out of the potential path where a load can fall.
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