Safe movement in the warehouse

Warehouse and production are workplaces where walking employees and driving trucks share the space. It's the most important source of risk in truck operation. The solution is to separate the two types of traffic physically and visually — and to ensure that everyone knows speed limits and signals.

• 01Walking paths are physically marked with floor striping and/or walk guard so pedestrians don't unexpectedly step into truck areas.
• 02Truck routes and aisles should be kept clear of storage and obstructions.
• 03Mirrors are installed in blind spots so truck drivers and pedestrians can see each other in good time.
• 04Light and sound signals: backup alarm, yellow take-off flash and blue/red LED spotlights on the floor provide moving warnings about the truck's position and direction.
• 05Physically separate warehouse entrance/exit so trucks and forklifts do not cross walkways.

When the forks are lifted to height, there is particular risk of falling goods. The area under and in front of the mast must be clear of people, and the truck should have warning/marking lights that make the surroundings aware of the truck and the raised load.

Shelves, columns, fire extinguishers and other fixed installations are protected with steel or plastic guards. Resilient plastic guards absorb impact and reduce damage to both parties. Truck guards must be placed everywhere a truck can come into contact with an installation in passing.

Safe passage is not just common sense — it is a legal requirement. The regulation on fixed workplaces requires that pedestrian routes and transport routes are positioned, dimensioned and arranged so they can be used safely by both pedestrians and vehicles. This is the basis for the requirement to separate the two types of traffic, keep routes clear and ensure sufficient space and visibility.

The system is a traffic plan based on the workplace risk assessment. This maps driving routes, walkways, crossing points and loading/unloading areas, and determines one-way traffic, zone divisions and speeds. The traffic plan should be kept up to date whenever the layout or activities change, and it should be made known to everyone — including walking employees, drivers and guests.