During busy periods, such as the Christmas rush, many sites experience a surge in workforce numbers to meet increased demand. However, with a higher number of employees on site, particularly seasonal staff who may be unaccustomed to your safety practices, and busy MHE operations underway, comes an increased risk of accidents.
At times like this, its vital to ensure that relevant measures are in place to keep everyone safe and, crucially, to segregate pedestrians and MHE.
Why segregation matters
According to the latest provisional figures for RIDDOR reportable injuries, being struck by a moving vehicle led to over 1,300 injuries to employees in Great Britain in the last year alone, and was the second largest accident type leading to fatal injuries to workers.
In the last 5 years, being struck by a moving vehicle has accounted for 18% of all work-related worker fatalities in Great Britain. This figure covers all industries, but when looking at transportation and storage specifically, this type of fatal accident accounts for over 30%, making it the most common within the sector, and highlighting the very real risks faced.
As part of a recent survey carried out by Mentor, 89% of responding businesses using MHE have pedestrians and forklifts operating in the same vicinity. With both parties often sharing the same working environment, segregation is critical to keep everyone out of harm’s way (especially as operations ramp up).
A UK company was recently fined £400k (plus costs) after a worker was seriously injured by a forklift truck whilst walking on site. An Inspector for the HSE emphasised the need for employers to ensure that suitable measures are in place to segregate pedestrians and vehicles, including safe systems of work, training and systems for ensuring compliance.
Effective segregation methods
It’s vital that, wherever possible, pedestrians are kept out of forklift operating areas. Using separate working areas, accompanied by physical barriers, clearly marked pedestrian routes/crossings and relevant signage as reminders, is the best way to do this, where viable.
When identifying potential crossing points, consider all areas where pedestrians and forklifts may interact, including access points, the sides and ends of aisles, areas with reduced visibility, and battery charging stations. These are high-risk areas where caution is essential.
But, where this is not feasible, the Approved Code of Practice for Rider-operated lift trucks (L117) suggests other measures to ensure segregation, such as:
- Audible warning devices (e.g., reversing alarms)
- Flashing warning beacons
- Visibility aids, such as CCTV cameras or convex mirrors
- High-visibility clothing for pedestrians
- Presence-sensing equipment that alerts operators to pedestrians or obstacles
By combining these methods, you can create a safer environment that helps to highlight the risks and is easy to safely navigate, especially for newly onboarded seasonal employees.
Maintaining safe forklift operating areas
In addition to the segregation measures above, the layout and maintenance of your site is equally critical in ensuring that pedestrians and forklifts remain safely distanced.
It’s essential that any seasonal workers quickly become familiar with the safe routes around your site and that they can be followed at all times. For example, ensure that you clear obstructions from walkways, ensure access routes are wide enough, and use one-way traffic systems.
Additionally, adequate lighting is essential to help highlight potential hazards, especially in high-traffic areas where both vehicles and pedestrians frequently interact.
Training seasonal workers for safety
Accidents can happen at any workplace, but in environments where forklifts are in use, the risk is heightened. Ensuring that your site is designed for safety is only part of the equation. Without proper training, even the best safety measures can fall short.
Whether operating MHE themselves or working around colleagues who are, its essential that everyone in your team understands how to work safely on your site and the importance of doing so for themselves and those around them.
Even experienced forklift operators are susceptible to complacency or bad habits over time, and those on foot (particularly those new to your business), are far less likely to be aware of operational risks.
What’s more, unlike their counterparts behind the wheel, they have no protection from the cab of a forklift truck, should an accident occur. This puts them most at risk of a serious injury and underscores the need for all employees working around MHE to be made thoroughly aware of the dangers and how to keep themselves safe, from day one.
Don’t forget, your obligation to provide adequate training applies to both permanent and seasonal workers. As an employer, you have the same duty of care to everyone, whether they have spent a day or a decade on your team, so it’s vital to ensure that temporary staff are ready to start work safely, before they step into a busy working environment. And remember, new starters are more than 3 times as likely to have an accident in their first 6 months than someone who’s been in the job for five years, so preparation is key.
While forklift operators will need more specific operational training than their pedestrian colleagues, it is vital that all staff are made aware of the risks posed by MHE day to day.
Taking just one hour to complete, our AITT-approved Forklift Awareness course is an ideal training solution for inductions, highlighting the risks and the consequences of unsafe practice and combatting lack of understanding or complacent attitudes developed over time.
To aid delivery, the course is also available in an e-learning format, allowing delegates to undergo training at their own pace and at a time and place convenient to them.
Proactive safety measures are essential
During busy seasonal periods, as ever, it’s vital to ensure proactive steps are being taken to separate pedestrians and forklifts and reinforce the importance of following segregation measures. Make sure everyone who could be affected is aware of site rules and risks, including seasonal workers and those working alongside MHE, and you can help to maintain a safe, efficient workplace, even during the busiest times of the year.
For further information or to find out more about our Forklift Awareness course, please contact us today.