If people and vehicles come together while working, for example in the warehouse, there is an increased risk of accidents. Therefore, employers must take various safety measures to prevent injuries, deaths and property damage.
Relevant accidents are often reported in businesses with mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic. For example, people are hit, run over or crushed. But there are also risks of accidents when working with vehicles: it happens that people fall when loading and unloading vehicles or injure themselves while getting in or out.
Employers must take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of employees and visitors to their premises. There are special regulations with relevant safety measures for certain vehicles or industries if these activities involve special risks, for example when transporting dangerous goods or when handling construction vehicles. Employers are required by law to analyze the work environment and implement appropriate safety precautions based on the risks identified.
Common problems when pedestrians and vehicles share the same traffic area
In some work areas it is difficult to separate pedestrians from vehicles. Visibility can become problematic when pedestrians are close to vehicles. There are a variety of reasons why drivers don’t see pedestrians, including blind spots, poor lighting, and blind corners or curves. Problems can also arise when drivers drive too fast or stray from designated lanes.
Reversing vehicles also pose a danger because drivers cannot see what is directly behind them. Reversing sensors are not always 100% reliable and sometimes objects or people are not detected. Collisions, injuries and deaths are the result.
If drivers and pedestrians do not follow the rules or are careless, accidents are inevitable. Keep things safer with signs, barriers, and other prevention measures. The SETON team of experts offers you compliant and tried-and-tested solutions for separating pedestrians and vehicles.
Signage and zoning for pedestrian and vehicular areas
Warnings can significantly reduce the risks associated with pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The combination of road signs, safety markings and physical measures alert drivers and pedestrians to and warn of potential hazards.
Use signs for the following areas:
- Indoor and outdoor driveways and footpaths
- Loading zones
- Parking areas
- Pedestrian crossings
- Designated lanes
- Intersections
- Elevation changes and narrow passages
For example, forklift hazard warning signs are an absolute must in any warehouse or distribution center.
Use reflective or illuminated signs or floor marking tape in dark areas. Post the signs so that they are visible in time to avoid the relevant hazards. Also clearly indicate current and changed speed limits – not only to improve safety, but also to avoid the high costs of litigation.
Physical barriers to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety
A site analysis provides you with the information you need to plan and construct physical barriers. With impact protection railings and beams you can steer vehicles in the desired path and protect people and inventory from collision damage.
Pedestrian bridges and underpasses are an alternative to pedestrians entering or crossing roadways. However, the installation involves greater planning effort, high costs and disruptions during the construction period.
Crash barriers are visible barriers that, when combined with traffic signs and floor markings, can help prevent accidents. They are particularly suitable for demarcating entrances and exits, at corners and in areas where access is prohibited.
To temporarily secure pedestrian traffic, e.g. in the event of increased pedestrian traffic during shift changes or at construction sites, the use of mobile barriers or extendable scissor gates, which can be pushed together or put away after use, is suitable.
Bollards are an alternative to barriers to mark different lanes in certain areas. They are highly visible, although less effective than a complete barrier. Experts recommend combining them with other safety measures such as curbs or road markings.
Color-coded paths are another simple but effective way to separate roadways from pedestrian paths. However, a combination with physical barriers is recommended for safety.
Safety training
Warning signs and barriers have no effect if employees and visitors do not adhere to company rules. Employers must regularly train their employees and clearly explain to them why separate traffic routes are important and how people should behave.
Routine checks
You should periodically review your pedestrian and vehicle safety measures. You should also check whether the company rules are being adhered to by employees. If necessary, there is a need for further training.
Workplace safety is no accident. SETON offers all the products you need to create a safer environment for pedestrians and vehicles in warehouse and production.
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