The employee asks: I have been at my new job for a few weeks. I work in a manufacturing enterprise that uses forklifts. Since we do not have a lot of space, I have to walk through areas where forklifts are operating to reach the non-work rooms. The forklifts move quickly and I am worried that the operators might not see me. I have no alternative routes to avoid the forklifts. Is it allowed to have people walking and forklifts operating in the same space?
Answered by Piret Kaljula, Working Environment Consultant:
Safe routes are part of a safe working environment and people should not feel threatened by forklifts while working or moving around the workplace. When workers and forklifts share the same area, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to accidents, which can unfortunately have very serious consequences for humans.
The general principle is that the routes on the premises of the enterprise or in the workroom must be appropriately sized and positioned to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles as well as the safety of the people working in the vicinity. The employer must use traffic management measures to prevent employees on foot and other persons from accessing the operating area of mobile work equipment (including forklifts). If the work process requires workers to walk in areas where forklifts are operating, measures must be implemented to prevent injuries from the work equipment. Adequate space must be provided for pedestrians to move safely. Routes must be clearly marked or guards should be installed along the routes.
The pedestrians must have sufficient walking space, with guards or markings clearly indicating where forklifts can travel and where pedestrians can walk. It is the employer’s role to ensure that the markings are respected and that forklifts do not enter pedestrian routes under any circumstances. Failure to obey the markings is particularly dangerous because pedestrians know that the route is safe and intended for them, thus they may be less attentive when using these routes. Markings are also important for forklift drivers, allowing them to drive without constant fear that someone might step in front of the forklift.
Additionally, it is important to consider the speed limits for forklifts in the workrooms and on the premises. When determining the maximum permissible speed for forklifts, it is appropriate to consider the risk assessment of the working environment of the enterprise, which should indicate the potential hazards posed by mobile work equipment, along with the measures that can be taken to eliminate or reduce those hazards. When the speed limit has been established, it is essential to ensure that the limit is adhered to.
In summary, the safety of routes is an essential part of a safe and healthy working environment. To ensure the safety of routes, careful consideration must be given to how it can be achieved. However, relying solely on people’s attentiveness is not enough. Routes must be clearly marked and, where necessary, guards must be installed to ensure pedestrian safety.
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