The goal of all safety barriers is to minimise risk, not just simply make something “look compliant”. As highlighted by risk assessments, barriers are often installed post-facto in a lot of workplaces. These are some of the problems that occur when barriers are installed that can result in failing a risk assessment:
Using the wrong barrier for where you prepare to mitigate risk
Think you can just put in a quick, lightweight pedestrian rail and be protected from the forklift? Where vehicles are working in proximity, the barrier must be rated to a repairable standard for that environment. For Workplace Safety Barriers, contact emtek.co.uk/safety-barriers/workplace-safety
Using signage and paint only
Floor markings provide some help, but soon become difficult to see in busy areas. In higher-risk zones, assessors will want to see physical separation between pedestrians and vehicles to reduce any conflict.
Obstructing escape routes or limiting access
Barriers placed against escape routes, limited fire exits, or blocking access to emergency equipment (first aid, extinguishers, shut-offs) will immediately raise red flags.
Creating new pinch points
Poorly positioned barriers can push people into small spaces, blind spots, or into the turning spaces of vehicles. People will use the shortcuts if it feels odd to take the “safe route.”
Defective fastenings and improper service
Rusty bolts, holes, and absent end caps are warning signals. Impacts should be examined following barrier hits and repaired swiftly, not left to “later”.
Lack of clear crossings or gates
In addition to markings, gates, stop lines, and mirrors, you need controlled crossing points. You cannot assume that vehicle users will know to stop when pedestrians wish to cross.
Failure to align the layout with actual behaviour
Barrier plans that don’t attend to peak-time flow, deliveries, or shift changes are a non-starter. Observe workers using the site and see what people do in reality.