HSM Nov/Dec 64+4pp 30/11/09 11:00 Page 20
COVER STORY
Helping to protect people at www.hsmsearch.com
A Safe address warehouse
safety for workers
Halifax-based safety barrier manufacturer, A Safe is encouraging the
including ASDA, Coca-Cola, DHL and
Toyota.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to legislate increased safety standards
James added: “We have recently had a
for pedestrian and vehicle segregation across the manufacturing industry
client that brought A Safe in to revise its
safety procedures following an on-site
fatality. The warehouse in question now
C
urrently, the law states that road has A Safe pedestrian barriers which are
and pedestrian walkways should crucial in demonstrating layout and safety
be demarcated, but this can be systems. Where employees see the A-Safe
interpreted widely from physical barrier yellow barriers they instantly understand
systems to a simple line painted on the what it is and why it is there.
factory floor. HSE figures show that over “However we are seeking to make
the past two years there have been 3,827 safety barrier systems with independent
major injuries to workers as a result of loading tests and safety specification
workplace transport accidents, with 117 criteria an industry standard. This is to
workers fatally injured over the past two avoid companies only looking to
years as a result. Being struck by a moving tough barrier system, and companies have introduce safety barriers with poor safety
vehicle accounts for more than half of all to ask themselves whether the cost of a and performance standards or only once a
fatal transport-related injuries. safety system is justified against the value serious accident has occurred. As it’s not
of keeping their staff safe.” currently law, we are asking company
A Safe are the industry leaders in providing Traditional steel barriers have always owners to look at the cost implications of
pedestrian and vehicle barrier systems been synonymous with strength, however installing physical barriers versus the
using their patented and highly visible A Safe’s systems have advanced value of protecting their workforce from
plastic systems which are tough, durable technology, design and manufacturing accidents and the consequences and
and can withstand impacts from factory processes, using alternative materials with penalties this would incur,” he added.
vehicles of up to 304KN (this is the equivalent physical strength but offering A-Safe’s system is already universally
equivalent of a 3.5 tonne vehicle travelling significant advantages and benefits. Each used amongst international companies,
at 10MPH with a direct head on impact system has been manufactured from and continues to lead the way in
into the barrier. The weight or speed of special high-impact coloured polymer and providing improved safety standards for
the vehicle can dramatically increase as provides high impact absorption with little these global brands.
the impact angle changes). All barriers or no damage so maintenance and long In 2005, A-Safe embarked on a trial
have been certified BS6180 and BS6399. term upkeep costs are minimal, if non- with Kimberly Clark at their site in Flint.
Company Director, James Smith existent. Whilst traditional steel barriers Four years later, and A-Safe barrier
explained: “Warehouse accidents involving may fulfil its function under impact, this systems are now installed across its sites
pedestrians and vehicles are unfortunately will cause damage to both the barrier including Europe and the United States of
a high risk associated with the structure and the vehicle itself. America and is the company’s recognised
manufacturing and warehousing industry, A Safe has over 25 years experience in approved safety barrier supplier
and currently there is no standard to the industry, and have demonstrated the worldwide, with trials now going ahead in
provide workers with the best protection durability and high safety standards Asia too, helping them to maintain their
available. There is no comparison when it achieved across several high-profile clients enviable safety record.
comes to a painted white line versus a across a wide-variety of industries Miguel Perez, Safety Environmental
Manager at Kimberly Clark’s Spanish plant
explained: “Apart from being simple and
easy to install, they provide the highest
standards of safety, with excellent
durability and they have a smart, attractive
appearance. Our workers and management
team both really appreciate A-Safe, because
they make them feel much safer now.”
The same has applied with A-Safe’s
work with leading car manufacturer
Toyota. Toyota Motor Manufacturing
(UK) Ltd (TMUK) further enhanced its
award-winning Health & Safety standards
across its 100,000 sq m site in Derby, UK,
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