Specific OSHA requirements have to be met in order to operate any kind of lift truck. Many of the businesses using forklifts will provide basic training to the other office and sales employees along with visitors and other non operators who might venture into the distribution areas. Even if OSHA doesn't specifically address lift truck pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers must take measures so as to protect employees from certain dangers, like pedestrians exposed to moving lift trucks.
Pedestrian safety is a big problem that has to be dealt with and not disregarded. According to the NIOSH or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; approximately 20 percent of all forklift mishaps consist of a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic means approximately 19,000 individuals each and every year.
Nevertheless frequently or briefly people are around industrial trucks in their work day, there are several basic steps which must be taken so as to keep everyone safe. One of the main factors is that lift truck pedestrian mishaps normally happen in cases where the pedestrian is not aware of safety measures. Issues also happen more often when the pedestrian has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts and ends up complacent.
There are several common situations to look out for so as to avoid placing yourself at possible risk from being struck by a forklift. Pedestrians not seeing the lift truck is a common issue which has to be addressed. Numerous operations have varying degrees of intersections or blind corners which pedestrians should be aware of. At times pedestrians do not hear the lift truck. Be very careful of the various types of power sources. Like for instance, electric trucks can be much quieter as opposed to IC engines which are super loud.
Coming in too near the machine is another common issue for pedestrians. In order for a pedestrian to be injured by a lift truck, common sense tells us that the pedestrian needs to be near to be struck. For a forklift which is running, a four foot safety zone is suggested in order to make a safe perimeter for everybody. This helps to deal with risks such as the unit driving accidentally over a pedestrian's foot.
Following and implementing strict safety protocol helps to make certain that the workplace safety stays top notch and remains paramount.