Specific OSHA requirements have to be met so as to operate any type of forklift. A lot of the companies using lift trucks would provide basic training to the other office and sales staff in addition to visitors and other non operators who may venture into the distribution areas. Though OSHA doesn't specifically deal with lift truck pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers have to take measures so as to protect employees from some dangers, like for example pedestrians exposed to lift trucks in motion.
A huge problem that will have to be addressed is pedestrian safety. According to the NIOSH or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; approximately 20 percent of all forklift mishaps include a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic translates to about 19,000 individuals on an annual basis.
Nevertheless briefly or frequently people are around industrial trucks during their work day, there are some basic steps which must be taken so as to keep everybody safe. Among the main considerations is that forklift pedestrian accidents normally occur in situations where the pedestrian is not aware 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 several common situations to look out for in order to avoid placing yourself at potential risk from being struck by a forklift. Pedestrians not seeing the lift truck is a common issue which needs to be dealt with. Many operations have various degrees of blind corners or intersections which pedestrians have to know. At times pedestrians do not hear the forklift. Be really careful of the various types of power sources. Like for instance, electric trucks may be a lot quieter than IC engines which are super 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 has to be near to be struck. For a forklift that is running, a four foot safety zone is recommended in order to make a safe perimeter for everyone. This helps to deal with risks such as the unit driving accidentally over the foot of a pedestrian.
Following and implementing strict safety protocol helps to make sure that the workplace safety remains paramount and stays top notch.