Specific OSHA requirements have to be met so as to operate any type of lift truck. Many of the businesses utilizing forklifts will offer basic training to the other office and sales staff in combination with visitors and other non operators who might venture into the distribution areas. Though OSHA doesn't specifically deal with forklift pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers need to take measures so as to protect employees from some dangers, like for example pedestrians exposed to moving lift trucks.
A huge problem that would need to be dealt with is pedestrian safety. According to the NIOSH or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; about 20 percent of all forklift accidents comprise a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic translates to approximately 19,000 individuals each year.
In order to keep everyone safe, there are some basic steps that must be taken into account. This is regardless to how frequently or briefly individuals are around industrial trucks in their work day. Among the main considerations is that forklift pedestrian accidents often occur in cases where the pedestrian is not aware of safety precautions. Problems also happen more frequently when the pedestrian has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts and ends up complacent.
In order to avoid putting yourself at possible risk of being struck by a forklift, there are several common situations to look out for. Amongst the most common problems is when pedestrians did not see the forklift. Many operations have varying degrees of intersections or blind corners which pedestrians should know. Sometimes pedestrians do not hear the forklift. Be careful of the various kinds of power sources. Like for instance, electric trucks could be much quieter than internal combustion engines that are really loud.
The other major problems are when pedestrians come in too near the machinery. Common sense tells us that in order for a pedestrian to be injured by a forklift, the pedestrian has to be near to be struck. For a lift truck that is running, a four foot safety zone is suggested in order to make a safe perimeter for everyone. This helps to deal with risks like for example the unit driving accidentally over a pedestrian's foot.
To make certain that the workplace safety remains paramount and stays top notch, the implementation and following of strict safety protocol is important.