Pedestrian Distraction in Active Work Areas

Key Hazards

• Pedestrians walking into vehicle or equipment paths
• Reduced awareness caused by phones, earbuds, or multitasking
• Struck-by incidents in congested operational areas

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Pedestrian distraction in active work areas creates serious hazards in warehouses, municipal facilities, utility yards, construction zones, and industrial operations. Workers focused on phones, paperwork, conversations, or other distractions may fail to recognize moving vehicles, equipment, or changing hazards around them.

Different workplaces create different pedestrian risks. Warehouse employees often work near forklifts and pallet jacks, utility crews operate around service vehicles and heavy equipment, and municipal facilities may contain dump trucks, loaders, or snow removal equipment moving through active areas.

Distractions such as earbuds, mobile devices, and multitasking reduce a worker’s ability to hear backup alarms, warning horns, radio communication, or approaching vehicles. Even brief distractions can place workers directly in the path of moving equipment.

Pedestrians should remain alert whenever walking through active operational areas and avoid unnecessary phone use while moving around vehicles or equipment. Designated walkways, barriers, and traffic patterns should be followed whenever available.

Drivers and equipment operators should also assume pedestrians may become distracted unexpectedly. Operators should reduce speed in congested areas and remain prepared to stop quickly if workers enter travel paths unexpectedly.

Situational awareness and communication are critical in shared operational spaces. Workers should make eye contact with equipment operators before crossing travel lanes and remain alert for changing work conditions throughout the shift.

Safety Reminders

• Avoid phone or earbud use in active operational areas.
• Stay alert for moving vehicles and equipment.
• Use designated walkways whenever available.
• Make eye contact with operators before crossing travel paths.
• Remain aware of changing conditions in congested work areas.

Ask the Crew

• Where are pedestrian and vehicle interactions most common today?
• Are distractions reducing awareness in active work areas?
• Do current walkways and traffic patterns separate people from equipment effectively?
• What operational areas require additional pedestrian awareness?