Not every workplace needs all of the different types of safety barriers to be used throughout the facility, but most workplaces will have at least one area where the use of some type of safety barrier would make a huge difference.
Forklift Routes That Cross Foot Traffic
High risk areas are where pedestrians cross routes used by forklifts and other powered vehicles. The workplace transport safety guidance from the HSE highlights the importance of separating vehicles and pedestrians wherever possible. A simple physical barrier with a designated crossing point helps to remove the uncertainty from these potentially hazardous areas.
Machinery With No Clear Boundary
Standing next to a moving piece of machinery ask yourself the question – would a passing worker unintentionally walk into the area of the machine. If there is no obvious boundary then a barrier will create a clear area and consistently apply it throughout the site.
Racking Close to Loading Doors
Pallet racking located near a loading bay can often suffer from damage from reversing vehicles. These types of workplace safety barriers can also protect staff members working in close proximity to the racking.
Pedestrian Pinch Points
Similarly narrow corridors and doorways, which may contain trolleys and other items of equipment, which have to be passed by personnel travelling in opposite directions, can create ‘pinch points’ where a person may have to step aside suddenly for a passing vehicle or alternatively have to squeeze past an item of equipment etc. Workplace Safety Barriers is covered in more detail at https://www.emtek.co.uk/safety-barriers/workplace-safety/.
Take a short tour of your workplace with these four simple checks to see where you’ll need to put your workplace safety barriers for industrial environments.
