Heads Up!
Whether it’s at a construction site, in the factory or manufacturing plant, or in the office, our common spaces can become crowded at times. Avoid collisions or near misses in the workplace. Not only will these tips keep you safe, they are common courtesy.
Keep your head up and watch where you’re walking.
Avoid distracted walking.
Keep a clear path in common walking areas for people to pass.
Pedestrian Safety in Industry
Employees can easily recognize hazards associated with material handling, machine operation, electrical work, and other dangerous job tasks, but tend to overlook more common hazards that affect everyone. More than 25 million workers suffer some type of injury while walking at work each year. Like other on-the-job injuries, these incidents can be prevented. Pedestrians often put themselves at risk by not being fully aware of the potential hazards around them, which can include moving forklifts, slippery floors, tripping hazards, overhead loads and even cars in parking lots.
Remember:
- Before entering or passing through work areas, find out about specific hazards to avoid, and stay alert for those hazards.
- Being prepared includes having the proper clothing, protective equipment, and knowledge to keep you safe in the areas you plan to travel.
- Don’t use the excuse of “just passing through” as a reason to be unaware or unprepared for work area hazards.
- Many areas have designated aisle ways and walkways. Pedestrians should stay inside these marked areas whenever possible. Marked aisle ways are designed to keep pedestrians a safe distance from the hazards of machinery, equipment and the manufacturing process. By staying inside the walkway, rather than taking shortcuts through production areas, many workplace hazards can be avoided.
Heads Up. Phones Down.
Distraction is a well-documented threat to safety, both on foot and on our roads. Distracted walking has contributed to more than 11,000 injuries in the last decade. Avoid being a statistic.
- Never use a cell phone or other electronic device while walking.
- Be aware of your surroundings to avoid falling, tripping, or bumping into objects or people.
- When crossing the road, make sure that approaching drivers see you. Never rely on a car to stop.
