Pedestrian Safety In A Forklift Worksite

Pedestrian safety in a forklift worksite is one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of warehouse safety, material handling safety, and industrial workplace safety. Did you know that 1 in 5 serious forklift-related injuries involves a pedestrian? Many pedestrian–forklift collisions occur not because of reckless behavior, but because of everyday habits, poor communication, and underestimated risk.

In this Supply Chain Proz safety training video, we break down pedestrian safety best practices in forklift environments, focusing on awareness, communication, and defensive walking techniques that help prevent forklift accidents, near misses, and serious injuries.

This video covers essential forklift pedestrian safety topics, including the forklift safety circle, a 3-foot safety zone around operating equipment that must be respected at all times. Learn why pedestrians should never approach a moving forklift, how proper body positioning can prevent foot and lower-extremity injuries, and why all conversations with forklift operators must occur only when the forklift is stationary.

We also examine high-risk areas in warehouse and industrial worksites, including forklift intersections, narrow aisles, congested areas, battery charging stations, and loading docks. These locations are common forklift collision hotspots due to limited visibility, cross-traffic, load movement, and reduced maneuverability.

A major focus of this forklift safety training is defensive walking, a mindset that emphasizes constant hazard awareness, predictable movement, proper use of designated pedestrian walkways, and avoiding distractions like phones or earbuds. Pedestrians will learn how to safely navigate around forklift traffic, stay clear of raised forks and suspended loads, and reduce risk by slowing down and choosing caution over convenience.

This video also highlights the importance of near miss reporting, pedestrian preparation, high-visibility clothing, proper footwear, and effective safety communication between pedestrians and forklift operators. Every step taken in a forklift worksite is a safety decision, and small choices can have serious consequences.

Whether you work in a warehouse, distribution center, manufacturing plant, or logistics facility, this forklift pedestrian safety video reinforces OSHA-aligned safety principles that help build a stronger safety culture and prevent injuries before they happen.

No task, shortcut, or deadline is more important than getting home safely. When pedestrians and forklift operators work together with awareness and respect, the entire worksite becomes safer for everyone.


00:00 Intro
00:33 Safety Circle
02:08 High Risk Areas
03:38 Defensive Walking
05:06 Pedestrian Preparation
05:38 Conclusion