Safety is critical in any warehouse, especially where heavy machinery operates. To ensure a secure environment, operators and pedestrians must follow proper safety protocols.
Equipment operators have training and certifications and check their equipment regularly. Warehouses provide clear pathways and traffic patterns for forklifts on the move. But what about all the other people who may not be directly involved in handling large machinery? For example, how do you guarantee the safety of pedestrians passing through these high-traffic areas daily?
Thankfully, several recommended best practices can help protect pedestrians while they coexist alongside active warehouse forklifts. In this blog post, we will provide helpful tips so your whole team can avoid dangerous scenarios related to forklift operations and stay out of harm’s way – read on to learn more!
How Pedestrians Can Work Safely Around Forklifts
#1 - Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Warehouse safety is crucial, and one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is always to be aware of your surroundings.
When you’re on foot, you must always keep your eyes and ears open. Never assume that the forklift operator can see or hear you, and be mindful when navigating corners or moving behind machinery.
One simple trick is to listen for the sound of horns and alarms and always watch for lights (flashing or otherwise) that may signal a potential hazard. You can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and your colleagues safe by staying vigilant and alert.
#2 - Stay in Designated Pedestrian Areas
Navigating a warehouse can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with forklifts whizzing by at 10 miles an hour with their heavy loads.
Look for the designated areas marked by vibrant paint or bold yellow and black stripes – this is where pedestrians should stay. While forklifts might be moving around in other parts of the warehouse, avoiding these areas is best.
If you must venture into an active forklift zone, do so cautiously. Together we can maintain a workplace that’s efficient and free of accidents.
#3 - Look, Listen, and Slow Down
Have you ever heard the phrase “look both ways before crossing the street”? Well, the same rule applies when working around forklifts! Don’t let the constant noise and daily exposure of the warehouse fool you – always be on high alert and ready to stop on a dime.
Stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Remember, just because you can’t see or hear the forklift doesn’t mean it’s not lurking around the corner. Keep your eyes open and your attention focused to avoid unnecessary accidents!
4 - Use the Best Safety Devices
Protect yourself and those around you with the latest warehouse safety system, HIT-NOT®. But don’t forget – to stay safe, you must use the provided personal alarm devices (PAD) properly. These nifty gadgets will alert you when you enter the “Warning Zone” well before you come within the “Danger Zone” of moving machinery. And that’s not all – HIT-NOT® also lets the forklift operator know you’re there, giving you both time to react and avoid accidents.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – ensure you’re always wearing your PAD and paying attention to the audible and visual alarms of HIT-NOT®.
Safely operating forklifts and other large machinery is crucial to any warehouse. For them to be effective and efficient, it is essential for individuals, like pedestrians who may be at risk in such an environment, to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that govern the proper protocols and procedures that must be followed to ensure a safe and secure workplace.
Although training and knowledge are vital to creating a safe working space, practical solutions like the HIT-NOT® pedestrian warning system can help ensure everyone on the premises remains secure. This solution uses light and sound alerts to draw attention to threats and hazards, providing pedestrians and lift operators with advance notice and the ability to take preventative action to prevent actions before they happen.
By combining proper safety protocols with advanced technology solutions such as those offered by HIT-NOT®, companies can ensure their facility remains a safe and efficient environment for all involved. If the HIT-NOT® Proximity Alert System could improve safety for the pedestrians on your job site, let SynTech provide a quote.