Forklift Safety: A Lifesaving Guide
TRAFFIC AND LOADING SAFETY
Another way to avoid incidents with forklifts is to maintain a clear traffic plan
for the forklifts and pedestrians. If at all possible pedestrians should never
have to walk in the path of the forklift nor should it have to move through
pedestrian traffic. Managers should look at the forklift and pedestrian traffic to
see where there is interaction and how it can be minimized. They should
maintain forklift safety kits that are accessible to all employees. Obviously,
forklifts should be prohibited completely from areas where employees
congregate, like around the time clock and the soda machine, coffee pot, or
break room. They should also have traffic patterns that keep them away from
pedestrian exits and entrances as much as possible.
Forklift Traffic Safety Procedures
• Set up clear zones that are forklift only and pedestrian only,
• Protect pedestrian walking areas with barriers between them and the forklift
areas.
• Make designated crossing areas, maximize safety with overhead walkways
or boom gates wherever possible.
• Set up and instruct all employees on the right of way procedures.
• Put up warning and traffic signs.
• Have employees wear reflective vests or other high visibility clothing.
• Always makes sure the forklift warning devices and flashing lights are
working properly.
• Keep the work environment well lit and put visibility marks on the forklift.
Should your employees have a forklift accident it is important that you have
procedures in place to deal with it. Proper training and refresher safety briefs
can go a long way toward keeping people on their toes and aware of the
potential dangers of the forklifts they work on or around. You must not wait
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