Warehouse safety is preserved and continuously improved through the cooperation of the operators and pedestrians. Both operators and pedestrians have a responsibility to maintain and ensure safety. The first steps to safety on the move in any warehouse is to understand and know the rules. There needs to be constant communication of your intentions as a pedestrian and an operator in a warehouse; working together to sustain and keep everyone safe. Here are some essential safety measures for pedestrians and operators on the move.
STEPS TO SAFETY ON THE MOVE: PEDESTRIANS
- Use dedicated pedestrian walkways: Always be aware of your surroundings. There are many moving parts inside a warehouse and it is critical that you stay alert and make sure you are using the pedestrian walkways. Click here to see the pedestrian safety products we offer on the store.
- Stop, look, and listen for oncoming traffic: In addition to using the pedestrian walkways, be aware of oncoming traffic. Always remember to not only stop and look at what is around you but also listen and anticipate traffic. Blue lights, horns, and other alarms are always a great addition to your forklifts to increase spatial awareness.
- Make eye contact with operator: Take extra precautionary measures on dealing with lift truck operators. The noise level inside warehouses often does not allow for verbal communication with the operator: make eye contact with driver when you need their attention. Make sure they are at a full stop before proceeding across traffic.
- A lift truck needs adequate time to stop: It is essential that pedestrians and operators work together to ensure safety. Pedestrians need to give ample time for operators to stop and operators need to be wary of the speed at which they are driving their lift trucks. Operators need to come to full stop to allow pedestrians across traffic.
- Stand clear of lift trucks in operation: Maintain a good distance away from operating lift trucks. Lift trucks have many moving parts with multiple angles and turn points. It is critical to keep clear of lift trucks that are in operation. For intersections, a simple stoplight or blind corner warning system can make a big difference.
STEPS TO SAFETY ON THE MOVE: OPERATORS
- Give Pedestrians the right-of-way: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Always check your surroundings when maneuvering through the warehouse. Pedestrians may not always be in the designated walkways. Never assume that the pedestrian will stop to let you pass before crossing, take extra measures and let the pedestrians go first.
- Never drive up close to anyone: It is critical for the safety of the operator and the pedestrians that operators maintain a good distance between one another. This allows the operator enough time to react in case of an emergency.
- Look in the direction of travel: Make sure you are focused on the direction the lift truck is travelling. Avoid distractions, and make sure you are at a full stop before focusing your attention elsewhere. By assessing the path towards the direction of travel, you will allow enough time to react and come to a full stop.
- Stop and sound the horn when approaching an intersection or crosswalk or exiting an aisle: It is important for operators to become familiar with the warehouse and be aware of the blind spots and aisle areas. Operators should always stop and sound their horn when approaching an intersection, a cross walk, and while exiting an aisle. This allows for pedestrians and other lift trucks on the floor to hear and see where traffic is coming from. Click here to see our selection of horns and crosswalk safety accessories.
- Approach and leave aisles slowly: Maintain a slow speed when approaching and leaving an aisle. By doing so, it not only allows enough time for the operator to react and but also pedestrians and other lift trucks on the floor as well.
National Forklift Safety Day is June 13, 2017. To order a FREE poster with any purchase using the code SAFETY2017. To see our selection of operator and pedestrian safety training kits CLICK HERE