An important topic for any forklift instructor training course should be the issue of right of way. The fact is that this is usually a controversial topic when it comes to heavy equipment and pedestrians. Who has the right of way? How can it be established within a company that either the machinery or the pedestrian should be the one airing on the side of caution? These are topics that any training course should cover, and that all employees should adhere to. Go to www.aftt.co.uk for more information on fork lift training courses.
There are two sides to the argument. Pedestrians cannot fathom that those in charge of operating forklifts do not have the common courtesy to ensure there is no one in their path. On the other hand, however, forklift operators cannot fathom that a pedestrian could be so carless to simply walk in front of a piece of machinery that is thousands of pounds heavier than them. So who is right?
In most companies, the forklift operator will be given right of way simply due to the fact that they are dealing with issues of visibility, handling a load and controlling the brakes, therefore the last thing they should have to be worried about is someone crossing their path, and causing a potential injury. However, the general rule of thumb in traditional car/pedestrian situations is that the pedestrian always has the right of way, so who wins the argument?
As a forklift trainer, this person should establish that all parties are observant and pay close attention to what is happening around them. The fact is that if someone is given exclusive right of way, they may have a "devil may care" attitude, which is not necessarily careless but can be extremely dangerous if they are not observant to others in their vicinity.
Both parties should be responsible for themselves, as well as cautious of others in the area. Operators should be certain that they are in control of their forklift at all times. This includes operating in a manner that provides maximum visibility as well as able to stop safely under any condition that may arise. The fact is that even if a company provides right of way to the forklift and it hits a person, the courts are likely to rule in favor of the pedestrian.
When it comes to establishing safe interaction of forklifts and pedestrians, communication is key. When these individuals come into contact both should acknowledge each other with eye contact and then a gesture should be made establishing who has the right of way. This can be a horn, gesture, nod or wave. Also, anywhere that heavy machinery is used; pedestrians and forklift operators should wear visible clothing to ensure that they are able to be seen in all cases.
While right of way is a hot topic of debate in the instances of machinery and pedestrians, the fact is that both parties need to practice caution and be taught proper safety procedures in order to prevent careless injuries that can be easily avoided.
In most companies, the forklift operator will be given right of way simply due to the fact that they are dealing with issues of visibility, handling a load and controlling the brakes, therefore the last thing they should have to be worried about is someone crossing their path, and causing a potential injury. However, the general rule of thumb in traditional car/pedestrian situations is that the pedestrian always has the right of way, so who wins the argument?
As a forklift trainer, this person should establish that all parties are observant and pay close attention to what is happening around them. The fact is that if someone is given exclusive right of way, they may have a "devil may care" attitude, which is not necessarily careless but can be extremely dangerous if they are not observant to others in their vicinity.
Both parties should be responsible for themselves, as well as cautious of others in the area. Operators should be certain that they are in control of their forklift at all times. This includes operating in a manner that provides maximum visibility as well as able to stop safely under any condition that may arise. The fact is that even if a company provides right of way to the forklift and it hits a person, the courts are likely to rule in favor of the pedestrian.
When it comes to establishing safe interaction of forklifts and pedestrians, communication is key. When these individuals come into contact both should acknowledge each other with eye contact and then a gesture should be made establishing who has the right of way. This can be a horn, gesture, nod or wave. Also, anywhere that heavy machinery is used; pedestrians and forklift operators should wear visible clothing to ensure that they are able to be seen in all cases.
While right of way is a hot topic of debate in the instances of machinery and pedestrians, the fact is that both parties need to practice caution and be taught proper safety procedures in order to prevent careless injuries that can be easily avoided.
