Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/543740
with vertical only or vertical and horizontal controls for lifting employees. Pedestrian Traffic Keep forklift traffic and other workers separate from each other as much as possible. This can be done by limiting aisles to pedestrian traffic only or forklifts only. The higher the number of people in an area, the greater the potential for an accident—regardless how diligent the efforts are to keep everyone safe. • Restrict use of forklifts near time clocks, break rooms, cafeterias, and main exits, particularly when the flow of workers on foot is at a peak (at the end of a shift or during breaks). • Install physical barriers to keep workstations isolated from aisles traveled by forklifts. • Evaluate intersections and other blind corners to determine whether overhead dome mirrors could im- prove visibility for forklift operators and workers on foot. • Make every effort to alert workers when a forklift is nearby. Use horns, backup alarms, and flashing lights to warn workers and other forklift oper- ators in the area. Flashing lights are especially important in areas where surrounding noise levels are high. Work Environment Be sure workplace safety inspections are routinely conducted by someone who is able to identify hazards and con- ditions that are dangerous to workers. These would include obstructions in the aisle, blind corners, intersections, and forklifts coming too close to workers on foot. The person who conducts the in- spections should have the authority to devise and put prompt corrective meas- ures into effect. • Install workstations, the control panel, and equipment away from the aisle as much as possible. Don't store bins, racks, or other materials at corners, intersections, or any- where that obstructs the view of operators or workers at workstations. • Enforce safe driving practices such as obeying speed limits, stopping at stop signs, and slowing down and blowing the horn at intersections. • Repair and maintain cracks, crum- bling edges, and other defects on loading docks, aisles, and other operating surfaces. Determining the best way to protect workers from injury largely depends on the type of forklift operated and the work- site where it is being used. Employers must be certain each forklift operator is competent to operate their vehicle safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of training and evaluation. WWJ Alexandra Walsh is the vice president of Association Vision, a Washing- ton, D.C.–area communications company. She has extensive experience in management positions with a range of organizations. Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ August 2015 43 e y v o mpr • I ease y ncr • I e est a f v n • I e A w NGWA om li ott our b y wledg no our k y es of w minut e -based tr eb . ine . ge . time aining r h T 3 — N En t 27 — Oc L ep 22 — S e L h T h I ne f t vings wit a gy S er d ar w eading Up hing: ision T he V VFDs th M v 17 — o N r P h T v 3 — o N y Mud Rotar er M op r he Imp illing r y D r oun r or G Mot e of tanc or mp g nding Reg y da o er t ist y!