Forklift and Pedestrian Safety

Category: Equipment Time: 5–10 min Audience: All Workers

The numbers

Forklifts kill roughly 85 workers and seriously injure nearly 35,000 every year in the U.S. A loaded forklift can weigh 9,000 pounds or more. It cannot stop quickly. The operator's visibility is limited. Pedestrians and operators must both know the rules.

For operators

Slow down at intersections and wherever visibility is limited. Honk before blind corners. Never exceed 5 mph in pedestrian areas. Always yield to pedestrians. Travel with forks lowered — never elevated.

For pedestrians

Stay in marked pedestrian lanes. Make eye contact with the operator before crossing a forklift lane — never assume they see you. Never walk behind a reversing forklift. Never hitch a ride on forks, a load, or any part of the truck not designed for passengers.

At loading docks

Keep dock doors closed when no truck is present — open dock doors are fall hazards. Ensure trailer wheels are chocked before entering to load or unload. Never enter a trailer while a forklift is inside.

Discussion question

Where are the pedestrian crossing points marked in our facility, and does everyone here know them?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Forklift and Pedestrian Safety"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A sign-in sheet filed with your safety records is your proof of training. OSHA considers documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.