Traffic Management

Forklift Trucks
Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management

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Why is important to manage forklift What are some controls that can be
trucks and pedestrian traffic? considered in a traffic management
plan?
What should be considered when
planning for forklift truck traffic
management in a workplace?
Why is important to manage forklift trucks and pedestrian

traffic?
Traffic management 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 (pedestrians) who have
tasks in the area. After controls are in place, they must be regularly reviewed to ensure their
effectiveness.
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:
The flow of all traffic, including both forklift truck and pedestrian needs
The tasks/jobs being done, including areas where there is higher potential for collisions
The braking distance of forklift trucks when carrying a load, the distance loads could fall
(including rolling/ splashing), and factors that affect forklift stability
The equipment or items used or stored in the area
Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management CCOHS

Visibility for safe operation, such as the way the forklift mast, load, or stacked goods
obstruct the operator's view
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
Storage rack systems that reduce the risk of contact between the beams and the
operator
That all areas (floors, aisles, ramps, grades, docks, passageways, etc.) be kept clear of
hazards, and be strong enough to support the weight of the truck and its load
Traffic plans should also consider the need for good ventilation, lighting, and noise control.
What are some controls that can be considered in a traffic

management plan?
Controls may include:
Eliminate the need to move loads, or to move loads in areas where pedestrians are not
present
Substitute a forklift truck with other suitable load moving equipment
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
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 work/task
patterns, forklift movements, braking distance, stability of the forklift, and the loads being
handled.
Use physical barriers, markings, etc. to define the zones
Install assistive devices such as convex mirrors at intersections, warning lights to be

used when trucks or workers are in the area, and devices on the truck (such as mirrors,
proximity sensing devices, cameras, reversing alarms, communication radios, and
warning lights). Be sure that these devices do not limit the driver's view.
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
Establish traffic rules for forklift trucks, including speed, stopping at intersections or high
risk areas, hand and horn signals, making eye contact with pedestrians, and the use of
back up warning devices.

Establish traffic rules for pedestrians, including walking only in designated areas, who
has the right-of-way at intersections, making eye contact with the driver, and education
about how a lift truck moves/travels
Use competent signallers, where necessary
Establish communication methods, warning signs, or other safeguards
Have the forklift truck operator inspect (on foot) the area to be travelled before moving
the load
Educate and train for both drivers and pedestrians. Topics may include the workplace's
rules for safe operation of trucks such as for speed limits, stopping at intersections, and
hand and horn signals. Another example is to have pedestrians sit in the driver's seat to
better understand the driver's visibility limitations with and without a load
Wear personal protective equipment, such as high visibly clothing
Educate contractors and visitors about your traffic management plan and procedures
Fact sheet first published: 2019-07-29 Fact sheet last revised: 2019-07-29
Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the
information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information
provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand
arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

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Forklift Trucks

Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management

Why is important to manage forklift trucks and pedestrian

What should be considered when planning for forklift truck

The equipment or items used or stored in the area

Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management CCOHS

What are some controls that can be considered in a traffic

Substitute a forklift truck with other suitable load moving equipment

Use physical barriers, markings, etc. to define the zones

Install assistive devices such as convex mirrors at intersections, warning lights to be

Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management CCOHS

Use competent signallers, where necessary

Establish communication methods, warning signs, or other safeguards

Wear personal protective equipment, such as high visibly clothing

Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management CCOHS

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