Protecting pedestrians

During a recent 15 year period, 20% of the fatalities from forklift accidents were pedestrians. The accidents occur when pedestrians are struck by a moving truck, hit by a falling load, trapped by a moving part of the truck or slip, trip or fall trying to avoid a truck.

Preventing pedestrian accidents can be accomplished through driver training and creating a safer work environment.

Since forklift drivers are “required to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of the path of travel,” according to OSHA Standard 1910.178, they should be aware of pedestrians. Drivers should look around cab supports and load engaging apparatus and inspect all areas in front and behind the machine for pedestrians before putting the machine in motion. They must drive at safe speeds because even a slow moving forklift can crush a bystander. They should use alarms to make pedestrians aware of their location.

The forklift work environment must be designed to separate forklifts and pedestrians.
Areas can be closed off to pedestrian or forklift traffic. Safe routes and walkways can be created. Pedestrians who frequently work in forklift areas should wear high visibility vests. In-plant mirrors can be used to add vision to blind intersections for drivers and pedestrians. Warning signs should be erected.