Warehouse Safety · 2–5 min toolbox talk
Warehouse Pedestrian Awareness
A safety talk about preventing collisions and near-misses between pedestrians and material-handling equipment.
Use this printed script for your tailgate or toolbox talk. Read through the hazards, script, and questions with your crew.
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“Warehouse Pedestrian Awareness”
Key Hazards
- Forklift or pallet jack impacts
- Obstructed sightlines around racking
- Distracted walking in active aisles
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Warehouse pedestrian awareness is important for distribution centers, storage facilities, and retail backrooms. Workers walk through aisles while forklifts and pallet jacks move at the same time, creating risks of collisions or near-misses.
Pedestrians must stay within designated walkways when available and avoid cutting through blinds spots formed by high racking or stacked pallets. Equipment operators should slow near intersections and sound horns when approaching turns.
Warehouses differ in layout—some run narrow aisles, others wide bulk storage. Seasonal rushes or inventory days often increase foot traffic and equipment movement. Clear communication between pedestrians and operators keeps everyone safe.
Workers should avoid distractions such as mobile devices and keep their attention forward. Good housekeeping ensures aisles remain clear of debris, shrink-wrap tails, and broken pallets that could cause trips or delays in reaction time.
Safety Reminders
- Use marked walkways whenever possible.
- Make eye contact with equipment operators.
- Avoid distractions while walking.
- Keep aisles clear of debris.
Ask the Crew
- Where are our highest pedestrian-traffic areas today?
- Do we need spotters in congested aisles?