Pedestrian Perspective: The Do’s and Don’ts of Mobile Equipment Safety

Mobile equipment safety is critical for worker that are constantly around mobile equipment such as forklifts, golf carts, AGVs and more. Let’s discuss the do’s and don’ts for precautions workers or pedestrians need to take when working in the warehouse, manufacturing facility or distribution center. Mobile equipment safety is a great toolbox topic. Bring SIERA.AI in to help educate on this topic. We’ll be glad to help.

Do: Make Eye Contact

One aspect of mobile equipment safety is to make eye contact with the operator. Workers should not automatically assume the mobile equipment operator knows where everyone is at within the facility. Mom’s might have eyes in the back of their head, but operators can only view one direction. Pedestrians and workers need to know where operators are as well. If workers come within the vicinity of a forklift or another mobile device, make eye contact. This way the likelihood of an accident diminishes greatly.

Don’t: Be on Your Cell Phone or Tablet

We are in the age of electronics. It’s imperative for mobile equipment safety for the pedestrians and workers to stay off of any cell phone or other electronic devices while in the presence of any mobile equipment. If the worker is distracted by the cell phone, the greater the chance of an accident with injury. Let’s keep off mobile devices.

Do: Wear Clothing that Stands Out

You want to make sure you’re seen? Wear clothes that don’t blend in with your environment. Food companies often have red floors. Avoid wearing red. Many facilities use concrete floors or floor color like gray. Don’t wear gray! The more you can stand out, the more visible you will become for the operator to see you.

Don’t: Ride on the Equipment

It is enticing, and seems like a lot of fun to ride on the mobile equipment. But mobile equipment safety is paramount. Stay off of the equipment so injuries don’t occur. Just search for forklift accident, and you’ll find how often injuries occur with just wanting to have a little fun. It usually turns deadly, be sure to keep mobile equipment safety in mind.

Do: Watch for Unstable Loads

Situations happen where the load is unstable when the operator picks it up. There are many causes and not necessarily the operator’s fault. As part of a workers mobile equipment safety skills, it’s important to be aware of the load the equipment is carrying. If it looks stable or not, keep your distance. You never know if it can tip or jostle especially if becomes unstable on an uneven surface.

Do: Listen for the Alarms

Mobile equipment should be equipped with alarms, especially when the equipment is in reverse. It is meant to bring attention to pedestrians and workers. However, with facilities being loud, it can be challenging to hear the alarm. If you mobile equipment has the Pedestrian Detection System by SIERA.AI, then the mobile equipment operator will be notified with audio and visual alerts that a pedestrian or worker is nearby. Having a forklift safety system like SIERA.AI’s adds a critical level of safety where workers will be safe and out of harms way. Get a demo by contacting us at sales@siera.ai.