// Forklifts

Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management

Why is important to manage forklift trucks and pedestrian traffic? Traffic management is one way to minimize the risk of an incident by creating controls to ensure everyone's safety.

high-visibility clothing

Why is important to manage forklift trucks and pedestrian traffic?

context Traffic management is one way to minimize the risk of an incident by creating controls to ensure everyone's safety. When planning for traffic management, be sure to consult with the health and safety committee or representative, forklift operators, and workers (including pedestrians) who have tasks in the area. After controls are in place, they must be regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness.
context A forklift truck safety program should consider many factors. Please see the various other OSH Answers documents on forklift trucks for more information.

What should be considered when planning for forklift truck traffic management in a workplace?

Create a written traffic management plan. Conduct a hazard assessment to determine what hazards are present and what controls are required. Factors specific to traffic control include: Traffic plans should also consider the need for good ventilation, lighting, and noise control.

requirement The flow of all traffic, including both forklift truck and pedestrian needs
requirement The tasks or jobs being done, including areas where there is a higher potential for collisions
requirement The braking distance of forklift trucks when carrying a load, the distance loads could fall (including rolling or splashing), and factors that affect forklift stability
requirement The equipment or items used or stored in the area
requirement Visibility for safe operation, such as the way the forklift mast, load, or stacked goods obstruct the operator's view
requirement Overhead and side clearances (at loading docks, transfer areas, storage areas, aisles, doorways, ramps, in rooms/containers, etc.) to allow the safe operation of the truck
requirement Storage rack systems that reduce the risk of contact between the beams and the operator
requirement That all areas (floors, aisles, ramps, grades, docks, passageways, etc.) be kept clear of hazards, and are strong enough to support the weight of the truck and its load

What are some controls that can be considered in a traffic management plan?

Controls may include:

elimination Eliminate the need to move loads, especially in areas where pedestrians are present
substitution Substitute a forklift truck with other suitable load moving equipment
requirement Change the workplace layout to minimize the need for pedestrians to work in close proximity to the truck, or to minimize the cross flow of traffic
requirement Clearly define areas for the forklift and pedestrians to operate within (e.g., pedestrian exclusion zones, forklift exclusion zones). These zones should be based on activities being performed, forklift movements, braking distance, stability of the forklift, and the loads being handled
requirement Use physical barriers such as bollards or fences to define pedestrian and forklift zones
requirement Install assistive devices such as convex mirrors at intersections, warning lights in the area, and devices on the truck (including mirrors, proximity sensing devices, cameras, reversing alarms, communication radios, and warning lights). Be sure that these devices do not limit the driver's view
requirement Set speed limits and the boundaries of the exclusion zones to take into account the braking distance of loaded forklift trucks, the distance loads could fall (including rolling/splashing) and the factors affecting forklift stability
requirement Establish traffic rules for forklift trucks, including speed limits, stopping at intersections or high risk areas, hand and horn signals, making eye contact with pedestrians, and the use of backup warning devices
requirement Establish traffic rules for pedestrians, including walking only in designated areas, rules for the right-of-way at intersections, making eye contact with the driver, and education about how a lift truck moves
requirement Use competent signallers, where necessary
engineering Establish communication methods, warning signs, or other safeguards
administrative Have the forklift truck operator inspect (on foot) the area to be travelled before moving the load
administrative Educate and train both drivers and pedestrians. Topics may include legislation applicable to forklift trucks, the workplace's rules for the safe operation of trucks such as speed limits, stopping at intersections, and hand and horn signals.
administrative Educate contractors and visitors about your traffic management plan and procedures
ppe Wear personal protective equipment, such as high-visibility clothing
requirement Fact sheet first published: 2019-07-29