Specific OSHA requirements need to be met so as to operate any kind of lift truck. Many of the companies using forklifts would offer basic training to the other sales and office employees in addition to visitors and other non operators who may venture into the distribution areas. Even though OSHA doesn't particularly address forklift pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers should take measures so as to protect employees from some dangers, like for example pedestrians exposed to moving lift trucks.
A huge issue that would need to be dealt with is pedestrian safety. According to the NIOSH or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; approximately 20% of all forklift accidents comprise a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic means roughly 19,000 individuals on an annual basis.
Nonetheless frequently or briefly 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 main considerations is that forklift pedestrian accidents usually occur in cases where the pedestrian is ignorant of safety precautions. Issues also happen more often when the pedestrian ends up complacent because she or he has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts.
There are several common situations to look out for so as to avoid placing yourself at potential risk from being struck by a forklift. Pedestrians not seeing the lift truck is a common issue that needs to be addressed. Numerous operations have various degrees of intersections or blind corners that pedestrians must be aware of. Sometimes pedestrians do not hear the forklift. Be really careful of the different types of power sources. Like for instance, electric trucks may be much quieter than internal combustion engines which are really 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 needs to be near to be struck. For a lift truck which is running, a four foot safety zone is suggested in order to make a safe perimeter for everybody. This helps to deal with risks like for example the model accidentally driving over the foot of a pedestrian.
Implementing and following strict safety protocol helps to make certain that the workplace safety remains paramount and stays top notch.