Forklift safety tips for pedestrians and operators in the Warehouse
When forklift operators and pedestrians work in tandem in the warehouse, it will help to keep everyone safe.
It is important that both groups know and follow the rules.It’s also important for warehouse managers to enforce those rules.
Five forklift safety tips for pedestrians
1. Use dedicated pedestrian walkways
Pedestrian walkways are similar to sidewalks and crosswalks found on our streets and roads.
2. Stop, look and listen for oncoming traffic
Forklift operators are trained to honk the lift truck’s horn when crossing an intersection, when going around corners, and whenever their vision might be obstructed. Be aware of these sounds.
3. Make eye contact with drivers
Just like everyday vehicle, forklifts have blind spots. When you make eye contact with drivers, this ensures that the operator is aware of your presence.
4. Know that a truck needs adequate time to stop
Forklifts are very heavy pieces of equipment that are designed to carry heavy loads. Likewise, lift trucks are not designed to stop suddenly. Rather, they are designed to minimize the damage to the load and to maintain stability.
5. Stand clear of lift trucks in operation
One of the forklift operator’s jobs is to keep the product from being damaged. Therefore, the operator might be focused on the pallet load and not aware of a person standing around the lift truck.
Five forklift safety tips for forklift operators
1. Give pedestrians the right-of-way
Always stop when pedestrians walk across your planned route. Wait until the person or people have passed by and continue cautiously through any congested area.
2. Never drive close to anyone
If there is not enough space to travel, warn pedestrians and ask them to move.
3. Look in the direction of travel
If there is not a clear view, do not move the lift truck.
4. Stop and sound the horn when approaching an intersection, crosswalk or exiting an aisle
Warn pedestrians and other forklift operators that a forklift is coming.
5. Approach and leave aisles slowly
Drive cautiously and use alarms when entering and exiting warehouse aisles.
