While forklifts are necessary equipment in the workplace, this is especially true in the warehousing and manufacturing industries. However, powered industrial trucks of all types and locations can pose serious hazards to those operating and working near them. The hazards can of course be prevented, according to OSHA, when employers ensure their employees follow safe practices and have properly trained workers.
General Duty Clause
(a) Each employer –
- shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
- shall comply with occupational safety and health standard, promulgated under this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issues pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly 20% of forklift accidents involve a pedestrian. So, roughly 19,000 people per year, an average of 1 in 10 forklifts is involved in an incident each year.
Employers can mark aisles, install convex mirrors, and ensure only trained operators drive their company’s powered industrial trucks to better comply with OSHA and other standards. But Pedestrians also need to take ownership of their own safety as well. Pedestrians should never stand in front of a forklift or under raised forks or loads, or ask for a ride, and staying to the right when walking in pedestrian walkways and aisles is a best practice.
Contact Industrial Safe Site today for our Pedestrian Training program to help ensure additional protection for Pedestrians at your location.