Surely the implementation of a suitable management system would/should keep the two activities apart -
Pedestrians & Fork Lifts are not the best of bedfellows;
The forseeability of harm coming to people should be the driver (no pun) to segregation via risk assessment & the application of controls such as traffic routes being marked out & enforced (signage whilst being a part of the controls would not suffice on its own - hard barriers should also be considered).
The induction process should include an explanation & visual to such hazards in any work place.

Thanks for the comments. Regardless of putting strong SMS in place and proper segregation of forklift path and pedestrians, I think we should think about practicably of the issues which we offer. If we say the load should be secured, how much secure? Again is depends …

SHV

SHV

It basically boils down to your assessment of the risk and the implementation of suitable and sufficient controls i.e. in the main in instances similar to this, as a previous poster has suggested, you should (where possible) separate the the pedestrian and vehicular access and egress routes. Regarding the movement of all loads- they must be secured prior to any progress being made by the FLT.

The following link should provide you with the information to enable you to make an informed decision:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/wo...personnel/lifttrucks.htm

Regards

Lee

You need to consider who/what will come to more harm if there is a collision?

I believe, and if you read the Highway Code (I know possibly not relevant here but still important) pedestrians come first priority.

I agree separation is essential but not always practical, neither is hard barriers sometimes.

Do all you can to ensure pedestrian safety.

Safe loading - I also agree the load should always be secure and the flt be able to emergency stop - safely.

It is not always practicable to physically segregate.

A car travelling at 30 MPH has priority over the pedestrian ie the sensible pedestrian lets him pass rather cross its path.

With regard to the question forget the idea about who has priority.

Train the pedestrians and drivers who work in these areas to make eye contact with each to check that each is aware of the other.

Never assume that a mobile plant driver has seen you, the visibility from some mobile plant is in some cases very very poor. I once investigated an incident where a transit van parked up to let a 25tonne side loader turn right and pass. The side loader hit the van. Although the van was a write off the occupants only received minor injuries. The visibility of the side loader was such that the side loader could not see the transit van in the position it parked.

The answer is Keep Clear of mobile plant. If someone does need to pass close by "Make eye contact" to ensure that each is aware of the other.
Steve