What is the purpose of using temporary barriers in a forklift operating area?

Using temporary barriers in a forklift operating area serves the critical purpose of separating pedestrians from vehicles. This is essential for maintaining safety in environments where forklifts are operating alongside foot traffic. The barriers create a defined space where forklift operators can safely maneuver without the risk of accidentally colliding with workers who may be walking in the vicinity.

Effective separation helps to reduce the likelihood of accidents, as pedestrians are discouraged from entering forklift zones, and operators have clearer visibility and space to operate. This proactive safety measure is crucial in industrial environments where continuous movement of forklifts and workers is common.

While barriers might also indirectly support other safety aspects, such as enhancing visibility by delineating spaces and providing signage about the forklift operating area, their primary and most critical role is to ensure that there's a safe distance between people and moving vehicles.