Eaton Van Wert Facility Environment, Health and Safety – Powered Industrial Trucks and Pedestrians January 17, 2017

Preface – MESH Assessment The purpose of a MESH Assessment is to give the site a “fresh-eyes” look at how a site is performing to regulatory and MESH program requirements in specific topics. During our site’s Corporate MESH assessment in December, 2017, there were findings in the Powered Industrial Truck category that pertain to lift truck operations and pedestrian/lift truck interaction. These findings will help us achieve the high level of safety performance we all strive to achieve.

Powered Industrial Trucks – Lift Truck Speed Observed during the assessment were lift truck operators who were believed by the assessor to be traveling too fast in the areas in which they were operating. Everyone wants to be known for their high productivity, but when it’s at the expense of safety of either ourselves or others, the risk created by excessive speed is unacceptable. Our lift trucks have their maximum speed set at six miles per hour. But, in many areas in certain conditions, this speed is too fast. Areas of high lift truck traffic, presence of pedestrians, and areas where workstations are located right next to the lift truck aisle are all conditions that require a more controlled, slower speed. Expectation: Lift truck operators must recognize the hazards of the areas in which they drive, and control the speed to a level which will prevent accidents from occurring.

Powered Industrial Trucks - Lift Truck Inspections Another periodic shortcoming that was found during the assessment was that a select number of lift truck inspections had not been completed in a timely manner. Completion of these inspections is a regulatory requirement; and, more importantly, this is the lift truck operator’s means to help maintain their lift truck’s operating condition.  Expectation: Lift truck inspections are required to be complete at the start of each shift in which the lift truck is operated; or at its time of first use on the shift, for lesser used vehicles. Also important is that the inspection documents be turned in weekly to the EHS department (name of individual shown near the bottom of the inspection sheet). The inspection documents are reviewed by EHS, and then given to the lift truck repair technician to trigger repairs to the lift truck.

Powered Industrial Truck – Lift Truck/Pedestrian Safety Responsibilities We’re all pedestrians at some time each work day, so it’s important to recognize the risk and dangers associated when lift trucks and pedestrians are in the same area. It’s inevitable this will occur, whether it be at crosswalks, or near work areas. Expectation: The expectation for both Lift Truck operators and Pedestrians, is that both parties are responsible for looking out for each other. When both parties take responsibility, it doubles the possibility of either one or both parties recognizing the danger that exists between the pedestrian and lift truck, and take the appropriate preventative action.

Powered Industrial Trucks – Lift Truck/Pedestrian Aisles Many of our lift truck aisles have pedestrian walkways marked, while a few are not marked. Also, most of our lift truck aisles are not wide enough to allow two lift trucks to pass without one of them having to drive in the pedestrian walkway. Because of the close proximity of the lift truck and pedestrian, the danger of an accident is increased. Expectation: The expectation for lift truck operators in this situation, who’s vehicle is in the pedestrian walkway or in an unmarked area with pedestrians present, will stop and allow the pedestrian to pass by before continuing in the direction of travel.

Powered Industrial Trucks – Lift Truck/Pedestrian Intersections Most lift truck intersections are pedestrian crosswalks, increasing the risk collision between the pedestrian and lift truck. Stop signs are posted at specific intersection to lessen this risk by requiring the lift truck to stop prior to going through the intersection. By stopping, this gives both lift truck operator and pedestrians the opportunity to recognize the presence of the other so each can take preventative actions to avoid a collision. Expectation: The expectation for lift truck operators is to stop the lift truck at intersections where stop signs are posted, look for pedestrians or other lift trucks, and then cautiously proceed through the intersection. Expectation: For pedestrians, at intersections, be on the lookout for lift trucks at intersections; and don’t blindly walk out into the aisle.

Powered Industrial Trucks – Conclusions Each of these five topics and their expectations are good, common sense behaviors we all need to adopt into our everyday work routine. By doing so, we help in making our workplace a more safe workplace.