Forklift Traffic Control Plan
The most important basic strategy to help prevent forklift/pedestrian accidents while traveling in a busy facility is to establish an effective traffic control plan. This is management's responsibility.
To ensure pedestrian and forklift operator safety, management must ensure the following guidelines are implemented in a traffic control plan:
- Designated Walkways: Establish and clearly mark pedestrian-only pathways that are separated from forklift traffic areas. Use barriers or guardrails where possible to keep pedestrians and forklifts apart.
- Signage and Signals: Implement clear signage to alert both pedestrians and forklift operators of shared areas and crossing points. Use visual and audible signals, such as flashing lights and horns, to indicate when a forklift is nearby.
- Training and Awareness: Educate both pedestrians and forklift operators about the risks and safety protocols. Conduct regular training sessions to reinforce safe practices and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
- High-Visibility Clothing: Require pedestrians to wear high-visibility vests or clothing to make them easily noticeable to forklift operators, especially in low-light conditions or busy areas.
- Communication: Encourage clear communication between pedestrians and forklift operators. Use hand signals or verbal communication to ensure both parties are aware of each other’s presence and intentions.
- Speed Control: Enforce strict speed limits for forklifts in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Slower speeds give operators more time to react to unexpected obstacles or movements.
- Crosswalks: Install clearly marked crosswalks at intersections or areas where pedestrian paths cross forklift routes. Pedestrians should be encouraged to use these crosswalks and look both ways before crossing.
- Mirrors and Warning Systems: Place convex mirrors at blind spots and intersections to improve visibility. Consider using warning systems that activate when a forklift approaches a pedestrian crossing.
- Restricted Access: Limit pedestrian access to high-risk areas where forklifts are operating frequently. Only authorized personnel should enter these zones, and they should follow strict safety protocols.
- Regular Safety Audits: Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions. Continuously monitor and improve safety practices based on feedback and incident reports.
Workplace Conditions
Workplace surface and overhead conditions are an important part of safe lift truck operation.
Operating surfaces should be able to support the forklift, its load and its operator. They must be free of holes, grease, oil or obstructions that could cause the lift truck to skid, bounce, and/or possibly tip over.
Workplace surface and overhead conditions and factors to consider when traveling include:
- Slippery Conditions: There is a danger of skidding when traveling on oil, grease, water, ice, mud, gravel, and uneven areas.
- Obstructions: There is a danger of tip over when traveling over obstructions, holes and bumps.
- Floor Loading Limits: There is a danger of the floor collapsing if it's unable to support the weight of the forklift, load, and operator.
- Overhead Clearance: There is a chance of damage to lights, stacks, doors, sprinklers and pipes.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-9. What is the most important basic strategy to prevent forklift accidents while traveling in a busy facility?
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