Particular OSHA requirements need to be met so as to utilize any kind of forklift. A lot of the businesses using lift trucks would provide basic training to the other sales and office employees along with visitors and other non operators who might venture into the distribution areas. Though OSHA doesn't particularly address forklift pedestrian training, the OSHA General Duty Clause dictates that employers must take measures so as to protect employees from some risks, like for example pedestrians exposed to lift trucks in motion.
Pedestrian safety is a big issue that has to be addressed and not ignored. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or NIOSH; approximately 20% of all forklift mishaps consist of a pedestrian being struck by a forklift. This statistic translates to about 19,000 people on an annual basis.
Then again briefly or frequently individuals are around industrial trucks during their work day, there are several basic steps that must be taken in order to keep everyone safe. One of the major considerations is that lift truck pedestrian mishaps often occur in situations where the pedestrian is ignorant of safety measures. Problems also occur more frequently when the pedestrian has become used to frequent interaction with forklifts and ends up complacent.
In order to avoid putting yourself at potential risk of being struck by a lift truck, there are some common situations to look out for. Amongst the most common problems is when pedestrians did not see the lift truck. Lots of operations have varying degrees of blind corners or intersections which pedestrians need to know. At times pedestrians do not hear the lift truck. Be very careful of the different types of power sources. Like for example, electric trucks could be much quieter than internal combustion engines that are really loud.
The other main 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 lift truck, the pedestrian has to be near to be struck. For a forklift that is working, a four foot safety zone is recommended so as to make a safe perimeter for everyone. This really helps to address risks like for example the unit driving accidentally over the foot of a pedestrian.
Following and implementing strict safety protocol helps to make sure that the workplace safety remains paramount and stays top notch.