Specific OSHA requirements need to be met in order to use any kind of forklift. Many of the businesses using forklifts would offer basic training to the other sales and office staff along with visitors and other non operators who may venture into the distribution areas. Even if OSHA doesn't particularly deal with forklift pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers should take measures so as to protect employees from certain risks, like pedestrians exposed to moving lift trucks.
Pedestrian safety is a huge problem that needs to be addressed and not ignored. Based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or NIOSH; about 20 percent of all forklift accidents comprise a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic translates to approximately 19,000 people on an annual basis.
Nevertheless frequently or briefly people are around industrial trucks during their work day, there are some basic steps that must be taken so as to keep everyone safe. One of the major factors is that forklift pedestrian accidents often occur in cases where the pedestrian is ignorant of safety precautions. Issues also occur more often when the pedestrian has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts and ends up complacent.
In order to avoid putting yourself at possible risk of being struck by a forklift, there are several common situations to look out for. One of the most common problems is when pedestrians did not see the lift truck. Many operations have different degrees of intersections or blind corners that pedestrians must be aware of. At times pedestrians do not hear the lift truck. Be very careful of the different types of power sources. Like for instance, electric trucks may be a lot quieter compared to internal combustion engines which are super loud.
Coming in too close proximity of the equipment is another common concern for pedestrians. In order for a pedestrian to be injured by a forklift, common sense tells us that the pedestrian has to be in close proximity to be struck. For a lift truck which is running, a four foot safety zone is recommended so as to make a safe perimeter for everyone. This really helps to deal with risks such as the unit driving accidentally over the foot of a pedestrian.
To make certain that the workplace safety remains paramount and stays top notch, the implementation and following of strict safety protocol is key.