Forklifts and pedestrians: sharing the floor

Pedestrians and lift trucks share space in most warehouses. A loaded truck cannot stop quickly or swerve, and the operator's view is often limited.

Key points

• Operators must inspect the lift truck before it is first operated on a shift and report defects. The employer keeps a defect record for at least 2 years.
• Pedestrians: use marked walkways, never walk under raised forks, and make eye contact with the operator before crossing a travel path.
• Operators: sound the horn at blind corners and doorways, slow down, and look in the direction of travel.
• Keep loads low and stable. A load that could shift and make the truck unstable must be restrained.
• Keep a clear distance from the truck. Do not stand between a truck and a fixed object such as a rack or wall.
• Only trained and authorized workers operate lift trucks. Operator training must meet Clause 6 of the CSA B335 standard cited in the Regulation.

Ask the crew

• Where do pedestrians and trucks cross on our site?
• Which corners or doors have poor visibility?
• Who is authorized to operate trucks on this shift?

Sign-off sheet

The PDF includes a sign-off sheet with date, location, presenter and nine signature lines. Print it, run the talk and keep the signed copy with your site safety records.

All 12 toolbox talks | Free resources