How to Stay Safe Around Forklifts and Protect Pedestrians
Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser
People and forklifts often work side by side in busy environments like warehouses, manufacturing plants and distribution centers. While these machines are essential for moving heavy loads efficiently, they also pose serious hazards.
One out of every six workplace deaths in the U.S. involves a forklift, including dozens of fatalities each year and another 25,000 injuries serious enough to require medical attention or time off work.
This guide shares OSHA safety guidelines and best practices to protect both operators and pedestrians. Whether you drive a lift truck daily or simply work nearby, knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — can make all the difference.
Why Is Safe Equipment Operation So Important?
Powered industrial trucks (PITs) weigh thousands of pounds and can carry heavy or unstable loads. Even at low speeds, they can cause life-changing injuries. Limited visibility, narrow aisles and blind corners create additional risks, especially in fast-paced operations.
Cargo itself can be a hazard. Loads stacked too high or unevenly can block the driver’s view or shift unexpectedly, putting anyone nearby in danger. Fatigue, stress or distractions — like an operator answering a radio call while driving — can also slow reaction times and lead to mistakes.
Following workplace safety regulations dramatically lowers the risk of harm. OSHA regulations and requirements for pedestrian safety around forklifts help employers protect their teams. Compliance not only prevents accidents but also keeps productivity on track by reducing downtime from incidents.
Since workers and drivers often share the same space, clear policies and consistent training ensure everyone knows how to navigate these areas in a safe manner. That helps keep both people and equipment out of harm’s way.
What OSHA Regulations Cover Pedestrian Safety Procedures?
Pedestrian safety rules focus on reducing collision risks and keeping foot traffic clear of operating zones. Employers must provide training, signage and workplace protection procedures that help everyone understand safe movement patterns.
One key principle is the right of way. In most cases, lift operators must yield to individuals on foot, but workers should also avoid stepping into the path of a moving vehicle without making eye contact with the driver.
Specific rules are found in OSHA’s standard for powered industrial trucks, located in 29 CFR 1910.178. These include requirements for travel speeds, maintaining visibility and separating human and vehicle traffic where possible.
Employers must ensure that marked walkways remain visible and unobstructed. Yet many facilities overlook repainting faded lines or replacing worn signage. Doing so is a simple but important compliance step.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) puts it simply: “Do not operate a forklift unless you have been trained and licensed.” It’s not just good advice. It’s the legal requirement. Despite this, many workplace incidents involve untrained operators.
Refresher training is required when an operator is observed driving unsafely, is involved in an accident or near-miss or when workplace conditions change in a way that could affect safe operation.
Employers are required to create and enforce policies for safe operation, post appropriate signage and provide training for all workers. Every workplace’s written safety program should include best practices and procedures, including speed limits, load handling and communication.
How Can Operators Keep Pedestrians Safe?
Operators play a critical role in preventing accidents. Consistent, careful habits help ensure pedestrians remain safe in shared workspaces.
Maintain Clear Visibility
Before moving, check all blind spots. Use mirrors, cameras or a spotter in high-traffic areas. Regular forklift safety inspections and routine maintenance help confirm that horns, lights and mirrors are working properly so operators can see and be seen.
Keep loads low enough to maintain forward vision. When loads block the view, drive in reverse if it’s safe to do so.
Communicate with People on Foot
Use your horn, simple hand signals or eye contact before moving. In loud areas, rely on audible alarms and flashing lights so others know you’re there. Coordinate movements with nearby teams to prevent surprises, especially at intersections.
Follow Speed Limits and Stop Rules
Drive at a controlled speed, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas. Take corners slowly to avoid tipping loads or losing control. Come to a complete stop at intersections, doorways and marked crosswalks. Only proceed when the path is clear.
Respect Barricades
Don’t move or step across barricades unless you’re certain the area is unoccupied. These boundaries keep crews out of active operating zones.
Supervisors should encourage drivers to report risky behavior — like individuals stepping into a marked travel path — so issues can be fixed before an incident occurs.
Certification courses cover working around foot traffic through practical drills, so crews know the routines that keep everyone protected.
How Can Pedestrians Protect Themselves Around Forklifts?
Even if you don’t operate a lift truck, understanding how to work safely near one can prevent serious injuries. Here are some simple rules that will minimize your risk of crossing paths with a forklift.
Staying in Designated Walkways
Always use marked walking paths. Avoid shortcuts through machine work lanes, even if it seems faster.
Paying Attention to Pedestrian Safety Signs
Look for posted instructions that direct foot traffic. Pedestrian safety awareness tools alert you to high-risk zones or restricted areas.
Wearing Pedestrian Equipment for Safer Work Environments
High-visibility vests, hard hats and steel-toe footwear help ensure you’re noticed before coming to harm. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect you in case of dropped loads or collisions.
Avoiding Distractions
Phones, headphones or other distractions reduce your ability to react quickly to danger. Stay alert whenever you are in an active operating zone.
What Kinds of Equipment Help?
Barriers and tech help prevent harm. Guardrails, walkways and mirrors improve visibility and reduce incidents. Vehicles may use braking systems, lights or sensors to detect people and stop automatically.
Newer tools include geofencing that slows vehicles and wearables that warn when a vehicle is operating nearby. Painted zones or LED lines add clear visual cues. Regular checks are essential — damaged or fading systems can create a false sense of safety.
Combining safeguards with attentive driving lowers collision risk and supports site compliance.
How Instruction Lowers Incident Rates Around Powered Industrial Trucks
An educated crew is one of the strongest defenses against injury. Instruction shows drivers how to use equipment correctly, follow best practices and spot hazards. Certificates serve as evidence of meeting OSHA’s education requirements.
Certified operators learn how to conduct forklift operation procedures, such as pre-shift inspections, safe load handling and proper signaling. These skills directly translate to fewer accidents and better coordination with pedestrians.
Our Forklift Certification course meets training guidelines for Class I – VII PITs and offers:
- 100% online, self-paced lessons
- Access from any internet-connected device
- Automatic progress saving so learners can log in and out anytime without losing their place
Training also benefits pedestrians. Non-operators who understand machine and pedestrian rules can navigate shared spaces more confidently, reducing the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
Key Takeaways to Keep Pedestrians Safe
Employers have an obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Failure to do so can result in accidents and substantial fines. In fiscal year 2024, OSHA issued more than 2,600 violations for failure to operate powered industrial trucks properly. With fines ranging from $16,550 per violation to more than $165,514 for repeated or willful violations and daily penalties for failing to resolve issues, fees can add up quickly.
And that’s just OSHA fines. Costs from medical bills, insurance and lawsuits can run into the millions of dollars.
Everyone shares responsibility for preventing these incidents. Remember:
- Operators should stay alert and communicate clearly.
- Pedestrians must remain in designated zones and obey pedestrian signs.
- Barriers for pedestrians and other protective measures are essential.
- Ongoing training strengthens hazard awareness for all workers.
- Following OSHA’s workplace regulations keeps operations safe and efficient.
Get Certified Today
Ready to take the next step toward safer operations? OSHA Education Center offers several resources to help keep employees and equipment safe. In addition to our Online Forklift Certification course, we offer training programs for several other types of PIT.
These online courses cover everything from operator training for stand-up models to telehandler maneuvering strategies. With any of these courses, you get convenient, online access to comprehensive instruction that meets OSHA requirements and prepares you to confidently operate a PIT in any environment.
With self-paced lessons and automatic progress saving, you can train whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you. When you complete your course, you can instantly download your Certificate of Completion, satisfying the training standards found in OSHA 1910.178(I) and 1926.602(d).
Get started today and earn your nationally accepted certification card.