Forklift Safety_ Who has the Right-of-Way_

### **Forklift Safety: Who Has the Right-of-Way?**

Understanding **right-of-way rules** is a critical part of forklift safety. These rules ensure safe and efficient movement in the workplace and help prevent accidents involving forklifts, pedestrians, and other equipment.

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### **1. General Right-of-Way Principles**
- **Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way**
- Forklift operators must yield to pedestrians in all situations.
- Operators should slow down or stop and ensure pedestrians have cleared the path before proceeding.

- **Forklifts Yield to Emergency Vehicles**
- Emergency vehicles such as fire trucks or ambulances always have priority.

- **Right-of-Way at Intersections**
- Forklifts traveling in straight paths typically have the right-of-way over forklifts making turns.
- Operators must slow down, look in all directions, and use horns when approaching intersections.

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### **2. Forklift-to-Forklift Interactions**
- **Narrow Aisles:**
- The forklift traveling *without a load* typically yields to the one carrying a load.
- This ensures stability for the loaded forklift while maneuvering.

- **Inclines and Ramps:**
- The forklift going *uphill* has the right-of-way. This rule prevents potential load shifts or rollbacks.

- **Blind Corners and Doorways:**
- Operators should stop, sound the horn, and proceed only when the path is clear.
- Use mirrors or spotters in high-traffic or low-visibility areas.

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### **3. Pedestrian Safety Rules**
- **Pedestrian Walkways and Crossings:**
- Forklift operators must stop and yield when pedestrians are in marked walkways or crossings.
- Clear visual communication (e.g., hand signals) between pedestrians and operators is crucial.

- **Shared Workspaces:**
- Operators and pedestrians should maintain eye contact when in close proximity.
- Pedestrians must stay alert and avoid walking in forklift paths.

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### **4. Communication and Visual Cues**
- **Horns and Alarms:**
- Always use the horn to alert others when approaching intersections, doorways, or blind spots.

- **Lights and Signals:**
- Ensure forklifts are equipped with functioning lights, warning beacons, and backup alarms for added visibility and safety.

- **Hand Signals:**
- Use clear, universally understood hand signals when working around pedestrians or spotters.

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### **5. Workplace-Specific Policies**
- Employers should establish site-specific right-of-way policies based on layout, traffic patterns, and employee responsibilities.
- Clear signage (e.g., "Yield to Pedestrians" or "Forklift Crossing Ahead") should be posted in high-risk areas.

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### **6. Key Takeaway Message**
- **"Safety first: Forklifts must prioritize pedestrians and communicate clearly in all situations."**
- Following right-of-way rules reduces risks and ensures a safe workplace for everyone.

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Would you like additional visuals, such as diagrams or videos, to illustrate these points? Or a checklist for operators and pedestrians?