Particular OSHA requirements need to be met so as to utilize any kind of forklift. A lot of the businesses using forklifts would offer basic training to the other office and sales staff in addition to visitors and other non operators who may venture into the distribution areas. Even if OSHA doesn't specifically address forklift pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers must take measures in order to protect employees from some risks, like for instance pedestrians exposed to moving lift trucks.
Pedestrian safety is a huge problem that needs to be dealt with and not overlooked. Based on the NIOSH or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; about 20% of all forklift accidents comprise a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic means around 19,000 people each and every year.
Then again briefly or frequently people are around industrial trucks during their work day, there are some basic steps that should be taken in order to keep everyone safe. Among the major factors is that forklift pedestrian mishaps usually happen in situations where the pedestrian is not aware of safety measures. Problems also occur more often when the pedestrian has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts and ends up complacent.
So as to avoid putting yourself at potential risk of being struck by a forklift, there are some common situations to look out for. Amongst the most common issues is when pedestrians did not see the forklift. A lot operations have varying degrees of intersections or blind corners that pedestrians should know. Sometimes pedestrians do not hear the forklift. Be careful of the different kinds of power sources. Like for instance, electric trucks may be much quieter compared to IC engines which are really loud.
Coming in too near the machinery 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 in close proximity to be struck. For a forklift which is running, a four foot safety zone is suggested in order to make a safe perimeter for everyone. This really helps to address risks such as the unit driving accidentally over the foot of a pedestrian.
Following and implementing strict safety protocol helps to make certain that the workplace safety stays top notch and remains paramount.