Who is initially responsible for the safety of persons working in a forklift area?

Initially, the answer is you.

Whether you're an operator, supervisor, employee in another department, or just passing through, the initial responsibility for your own personal safety is you!

We can get into middle management, designated safety personnel, and policy (clear delineation of pedestrian lanes and rolling stock lanes, rules about speed, seat belts, loads, etc) but if you're head isn't on swivel in an area where equipment is operating then there is no policy management could make, no person who could be placed in charge that would keep you safe.

Know your surroundings. Be aware.