Pedestrian Safety

Eighty percent of forklift accidents involve a pedestrian. Forklift operators must learn to be aware of the pedestrians in their work areas, even when it requires precautions that may appear to slow work productivity. Causes of pedestrian-forklift accidents include the following:

• The operator's view is obstructed (by a load, by driving backward, or by obstacles in the environment).
• The operator sees the pedestrian but in turning toward or alongside the pedestrian fails to judge the forklift's operating clearance.
• The operator is driving too fast and cannot stop in time to prevent hitting the pedestrian (remember that a forklift impact at 5 miles per hour is equivalent to a car's impact at 30 miles per hour).

While forklift operators bear responsibility for safe driving, pedestrians and other bystanders also must be aware of forklift proximity and take appropriate measures to avoid risks. A safe working environment requires the commitment of all employees all the time.

Workplaces often separate forklift traffic from other workers and pedestrians as well as educate pedestrians on how to navigate around forklifts. However, such measures are not a guarantee of safety. When operating a forklift, make pedestrian awareness a priority by following these guidelines:

• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Maintain your distance from pedestrians at all times. There are no exceptions to this guideline.
• When possible, make eye contact with pedestrians or other forklift operators.
• Use your horn frequently and always at blind corners, doorways and aisles.
• Make no assumptions that pedestrians understand your intentions or can hear your warning alarms or see your lights.
• Signal to pedestrians to stand clear.
• Do not allow anyone to stand or pass under the load or lifting mechanism.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.