Powered Industrial Trucks eTool: Understanding the Workplace


	eTools Home : Powered Industrial Trucks	Safety and Health Topic Page \| Credits



		Types & Fundamentals Operating the Forklift The Workplace Training Assistance Types Classifications Power Sources Internal Combustion Electric Parts Mast and Carriage Forks Attachments Nameplate Danger, Warning & Caution Labels Controls Instruments Battery Overhead Guard Tires Other Safety & Warning Devices Pre-Operation Critical Forklift Measurements Traveling & Manuevering Load Handling Load Composition Physical Conditions Pedestrian Traffic Ramps and Grades Loading Docks Narrow Aisles Elevators Enclosed & Hazardous Areas

The Workplace

   Physical Conditions
   Pedestrian Traffic
   Ramps and Grades
   Loading Docks
   Narrow Aisles
   Elevators
   Enclosed Areas

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.

Pedestrian Traffic
Moving Personnel
Maintain Distance

Additional Resources:

NIOSH Alert: Preventing Injuries and Deaths of Workers Who Operate or Work Near Forklifts. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001-109, (2001, June). Forklift overturns are the leading cause of fatalities involving forklifts; they represent about 25 percent of all forklift-related deaths.

Pedestrian Traffic

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.

Figure 2. Yield right of way to pedestrians.

Slow down, stop and sound horn at intersections and wherever your vision is obstructed.

Figure 3. Slow down, stop and sound horn at intersections and wherever your vision is obstructed.

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.

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.

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.

Moving Personnel

Figure 5. Do not carry passengers.

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.

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:

Danger of falling

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.

Maintain Distance

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.

Types & Fundamentals | Operating the Forklift | Understanding the Workplace | Training Assistance

	eTools Home : Powered Industrial Trucks	Safety and Health Topic Page \| Credits


	What's New \| Offices
Home Workers Regulations Enforcement Data & Statistics Training Publications Newsroom Small Business Anti-Retaliation