HEALTH & SAFETY


a HS2 worker was struck and killed by an unsecure coiled pipe during an installation on a site in Solihull. Shaken by the incident there were widespread calls for enhanced safety protocols, particularly concerning drilling and pipe dispensing practices.


While this tragic event highlighted the critical need for thorough evaluations before operating machinery, it also demonstrated the importance of ensuring all safety measures are properly implemented before, during and after coil pipe installation.


CHALLENGES FACED BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS


There are a range of factors that can  while on-site, from inadequate training to sluggish approval processes.


Take coil pipe installation, for example. A crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of projects in utilities, manufacturing, construction and civil engineering, the laying of coil pipe may seem like just one piece of the puzzle, but proper planning and execution are essential to preventing safety risks and costly setbacks,  The safe installation of coil piping starts long  must conduct thorough risk assessments, provide the correct protective equipment and train workers on safe handling techniques and emergency procedures.


When it comes to laying the pipe, the right tools make all the difference. Restraints, uncoiling devices and mechanical lifting helps to prevent hazards and reduce the risk of serious injuries, those like we saw with the HS2 accident, which shone a light on the dangers of overlooking safety measures.


Over the past few decades, and during my time at Towmate Trailers, much improvement has been made in regards to health and safety across various industries, like utilities. Despite the HS2 incident taking place almost two years ago to the date, there are still  safety procedures in similar scenarios and some industries are slow to adopt new safety solutions due to cost, lack of knowledge or resistance to change procedure. While some have considered banning the use of coil pipe in favour of ‘stick’ installation, they have found there are a good number of disadvantages to doing this, such as increased costs, longer installation times, greater labour requirements and a higher likelihood of joint failures due to the increased number of connections.


To kick-start more conversations around safety in those environments, and drive forward stricter safety procedures, we created the LaySafe innovation. It is a safety mechanism   transportation of pipes used in the water, gas and electrical industries. Not only helping to prevent injury and fatalities, the mechanism, used by a number of our existing utilities customers, like Severn Trent Water, has already proven to save both time and money.


Steve Bradshaw, managing director at Towmate Trailers


THE NEED FOR INNOVATION IN SAFETY SOLUTIONS


Physical demands of the job, combined with the complexities of working in constantly evolving conditions such as road-side or on- site maintenance, means that protecting the physical and mental well-being of workers is not only a legal and ethical responsibility, but a crucial factor in maintaining operational  reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries, or even fatalities.


Health and safety protocols should be a priority for both the workers and the wider company. Ensuring that all practices are  trained lessens the risk of accidents, prevents potential legal issues and safeguards the business. The media coverage following the HS2 incident laid a portion of blame on the company and individuals involved, consequently negatively impacting the reputation of the business; issues which, further down the line, could hamper their ability to attract new custom and both hire and retain new talent. Although project timelines can be tight, health and safety is not an area where shortcuts should ever be taken. As industry standards continue to evolve to improve  integration, the need for innovation and specially-engineered solutions, like LaySafe, have become increasingly more essential. Innovations designed to enhance health and safety, while simultaneously boosting productivity and reducing time and cost  and safe working environment.


WHAT MEASURES ARE ALREADY OUT THERE?


As well as providing awareness and safety training for employees, companies can look to introduce specially-designed solutions that  laying coil pipe.


Almost a year on from its launch, LaySafe has been making waves across utilities. It


has become a game-changer in coil pipe installation, allowing companies to safely feed the coil pipe through to the rear of a trailer, while eliminating stored energy and keeping the pipe in an inert, safe state as it is laid. No risk of uncontrolled activity. Thanks to its integrated novel chute design and a centre disc to retain the trailing end, the coiled pipe is better stabilised and allows for more precise pipe control while dispensing.


 cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible to align with the Government’s net- zero energy targets, companies must adopt  compromising safety. A tricky balance, no doubt.


Yet, by using innovations like LaySafe, the time needed to safely lay pipe is not only ten times faster and more cost-effective, replacing the traditional, labour-intensive methods that often require extensive excavation, but also drastically improving the safety of a workforce. That is something that we cannot take chances with.


THE ROAD TO SAFER PRACTICES Workplace safety has come a long way, but there is still plenty of ground to cover before health and safety standards are fully optimised across key industries, like utilities and infrastructure. Thankfully, with ongoing product innovations, regulatory advancements and a growing commitment to high standards, companies have access to simple, effective  preventable incidents.


Introducing new systems or processes can be daunting, particularly in ‘traditional’ industries, but past events serve as a stark reminder of why safety must take precedence. Change now could not only save lives, but also protect your business’ reputation in the long-run.


Towmate Trailers www.towmatetrailers.com FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | APRIL 2025 17


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