Daily toolbox talk on Forklift Safety
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Topic: Forklift Safety
How to Improve Pedestrian Safety around Forklifts
Forklifts are a common vehicle in worksites where materials need to be raised, lowered or moved. There
are many types of these powered industrial trucks and each type has its own operating hazard. But one
of the most common causes of forklift-related fatalities is striking a worker who is on foot.
Because of the hazards posed to pedestrians, forklifts must only be operated by someone who has
successfully completed training. However, the responsibility for pedestrian safety does not lie with the
forklift operator alone. It is also the responsibility of those who work in areas where forklifts are
operating.
Example
A warehouse receiving clerk and a forklift operator, both 18 years old and both new employees, were
working together to prepare merchandise for storage and shipment. The forklift operator loaded a pallet
and began backing down the aisle at a slight angle. He saw the warehouse clerk walking up the aisle
toward him. The operator made eye contact with the clerk and yelled to him to get out of the way. The
forklift operator hit the brakes and tried to steer away, but it was too late. The forklift struck the clerk
and pinned him against a metal shelf. He died on the way to the hospital of severe blunt chest trauma.
How to stay safe around forklifts
When you work around or near forklifts, be mindful of these pedestrian safety rules:
• If at all possible, stay away from areas where forklifts are operating.
• If you must enter the area, inform the forklift operator of your intent to enter the area.
• Wait to receive an acknowledgement from the operator that he or she understands your
intention to enter the area.
• Wear a high-visibility vest.
• If pedestrian and forklift traffic is separated, follow the designated walkways.
• Listen for forklift horns, especially at intersections, blind corners and narrow aisles or other
areas where vision is obscured.
• Report to your supervisor any poorly lit areas or any obstructions in aisles or intersections.
• Keep a safe distance from a forklift, whenever possible.
• Do not walk near or under raised forks.
• Do not ride on a forklift’s load.
• Do not engage in horseplay near or around forklifts.
• Remember that forklifts cannot and should not stop abruptly. The braking distance of a forklift
depends on the speed it is traveling and the load it is carrying. Pedestrians often underestimate
the stopping distance of a fully loaded forklift. If an operator does abruptly stop the forklift,
there is a risk of the load shifting and falling off or the forklift tipping over.