Specific OSHA requirements need to be met in order to operate any type of forklift. Many of the companies utilizing lift trucks would provide basic training to the other sales and office staff in addition to visitors and other non operators who may venture into the distribution areas. Though OSHA doesn't particularly address forklift pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers should take measures so as to protect employees from some dangers, like pedestrians exposed to moving lift trucks.
A big problem that would need to be addressed is pedestrian safety. Based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or NIOSH; roughly 20 percent of all forklift mishaps include a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic translates to approximately 19,000 individuals every year.
In order to keep everybody safe, there are some basic steps that must be taken into account. This is regardless to how frequently or briefly people are around industrial trucks in their work day. Amongst the main considerations is that forklift pedestrian accidents usually occur in cases where the pedestrian is ignorant of safety measures. Issues also occur more frequently when the pedestrian has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts and ends up complacent.
There are some common situations to look out for so as to prevent placing yourself at potential risk from being struck by a lift truck. Pedestrians not seeing the forklift is a common issue that needs to be addressed. Many operations have different degrees of blind corners or intersections that pedestrians need to be aware of. At times pedestrians do not hear the forklift. Be careful of the different types of power sources. For example, electric trucks may be a lot quieter compared to IC engines which are really loud.
Coming in too near the machinery is another common concern for pedestrians. In order for a pedestrian to be injured by a forklift, common sense tells us that the pedestrian needs to be near to be struck. For a lift truck which is running, a four foot safety zone is suggested in order to make a safe perimeter for everyone. This helps to address risks like the unit driving accidentally over a pedestrian's foot.
Implementing and following strict safety protocol helps to make certain that the workplace safety remains paramount and stays top notch.