A warehouse pedestrian traffic management plan should explain how people move safely between entrances, workstations and welfare areas while vehicles operate. Begin with the routes people actually need. A painted walkway that ends at a blind corner or forces a long detour can encourage unsafe shortcuts.
Before using the template
Map pedestrian and vehicle journeys together, including visitors, deliveries and maintenance. HSE identifies separation of pedestrian and vehicle activity as the most effective approach where practicable. Use the site assessment to decide the physical layout, crossings and operating arrangements. A high-visibility vest helps people be seen but does not replace a safe traffic system.
Copy and adapt: Add the actual task, asset or location, relevant instructions and the person responsible for each decision. This original template supports the site process.
Practical review checklist
| Review item | What to confirm or record |
|---|---|
| People and journeys | Identify normal walking routes and less frequent journeys such as visitors and emergency access. |
| Vehicle movements | Map operating areas, deliveries, reversing, loading and parking. |
| Separation | Provide suitable separate routes and physical protection where the assessment requires it. |
| Crossings | Minimise interaction points and establish visibility and control arrangements at necessary crossings. |
| Doors and corners | Review door openings, blind corners, obstructions and places where people enter vehicle areas. |
| Loading interfaces | Define how drivers and pedestrians are kept clear during loading and unloading. |
| Information and supervision | Explain the routes, access restrictions and reporting process to employees, contractors and visitors. |
| Review | Observe the plan in use and reassess after layout changes, near misses or repeated route obstruction. |
A worked planning example
Illustrative example: the marked route to the office crosses a loading bay while deliveries are frequent. The review identifies a more direct separated route along the building boundary. The new arrangement is assessed, protected and communicated before use, rather than asking staff to make eye contact and walk between operating vehicles.
Follow-up and records
Keep a controlled layout drawing and a short rules sheet. Assign responsibility for barriers, markings and keeping the route clear. Record temporary changes with a start, end and person responsible. Check the arrangement during a normal busy period: a plan reviewed only while the warehouse is empty may miss the interaction it was meant to control.
Keep the date, finding, action owner, due or hold point and closure evidence traceable. Record a reason for not applicable items. Escalate unresolved safety concerns before releasing the affected work.
Track outstanding actions in the daily safety officer report and review repeated issues through the safety committee action log.
Common questions
Are painted lines always sufficient?
No. Assess the exposure and determine suitable separation, including physical barriers where required.
What if stock blocks the walkway?
Use the reporting and traffic-control arrangements to restore a safe route. Do not make walking in a vehicle aisle the informal alternative.
Primary sources and applicability
Source jurisdictions are identified below. Confirm current Saudi requirements, the site assessment and applicable manufacturer instructions. No client or regulator approval of this example is claimed.
- HSE: Separating pedestrians and vehicles — Great Britain workplace-transport guidance.