Warehouse Pedestrian Awareness

• Pedestrians struck by forklifts, pallet jacks, or carts
• Blind corners and blocked sightlines
• Workers walking through equipment operating areas
• Distractions from phones, paperwork, or conversations
• Poor visibility near racks, trailers, doors, and stacked materials
• Trips from pallets, debris, cords, or materials in aisles

Warehouse pedestrians face hazards because people and equipment often share the same space. Forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, trucks, racks, doors, and stored materials can all create blind spots and changing traffic patterns.

Pedestrians should use designated walkways where they are provided. Walking through forklift lanes, loading areas, staging zones, or between stacked materials increases the chance of being struck.

Forklift operators may not always see pedestrians. Loads can block visibility, racks can create blind corners, and noise can make it difficult to hear equipment approaching.

Pedestrians should make eye contact with operators when crossing equipment paths. If eye contact is not made, workers should not assume the operator has seen them.

Distractions are a major problem in warehouses. Looking at a phone, reading paperwork, wearing earbuds, or carrying items that block visibility can cause a pedestrian to step into danger.

Blind corners, doorways, rack ends, and trailer areas should be approached carefully. Mirrors, horns, stop points, and slower movement may be needed in these areas.

Aisles and walkways should stay clear of pallets, shrink wrap, cords, tools, debris, and staged materials. Poor housekeeping can push pedestrians into equipment lanes or create trip hazards.

Warehouse pedestrian safety depends on awareness from both operators and workers on foot. Stay visible, use designated paths, avoid distractions, and never assume moving equipment will stop in time.

• Use designated walkways when available.
• Stay out of forklift and pallet jack travel paths.
• Make eye contact with operators before crossing.
• Avoid phone use and other distractions while walking.
• Approach blind corners and doorways carefully.
• Keep aisles and walkways clear.
• Do not walk under raised loads or through loading zones.

• Where do pedestrians and equipment cross paths in this area?
• Are blind corners, rack ends, or doorways creating visibility problems?
• Are walkways clear and being used?
• Are workers distracted while walking through the warehouse?
• Do pedestrians and equipment operators communicate clearly?