Every employer has a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees. This is easier said than done because every industry has hazards and risks, even in a typical office-based business. It is important to conduct a risk assessment and find the best solutions, but one smart way to reduce many types of risk is with the use of barriers.

This post will examine how barriers can be used to minimise workplace risks and improve safety in many different work environments. Interested? Keep reading to find out how barriers can improve safety standards and reduce risk at your business.

How Barriers Can Reduce Risk

So, how exactly can barriers be used to reduce risk and improve safety in the workplace? There are a number of ways that barriers can be used in various work environments. Barriers can be used to:

–    Restrict access to unsafe areas

–    Guide vehicles in a safe direction

–    Keep workers/visitors a safe distance from heavy machinery and/or dangerous process

–    Creating boundaries for unsafe areas, such as chemical storage areas

When barriers are used in the above ways, they can reduce the risk of an injury or accident. Obviously, this is important from a health and safety legislation standpoint, but it will also provide peace of mind and give your team confidence to carry out their roles each day.

Types Of Barriers

There are also many different types of barriers available, so it is important that you are able to find the right type for your specific needs. Indoor barriers are one of the most common types that can be used in warehouses, retail spaces, office blocks, and other indoor work environments. Concertina barriers are a flexible solution that can be adjusted to your needs and will be easy to set up, store, and transport.

If you will be using the barrier in outdoor environments, such as on a construction site, then it is important that they are designed for outdoor usage to withstand the tough conditions. Again, you can find concertina or permanent barriers, allowing you to find the best option for your needs. The barrier will clearly indicate cordoned-off sections of the work site, improve traffic flow, and increase awareness about potentially dangerous work areas.

Tips For Using Barriers

To create a safe work environment with the use of barriers, you should first conduct a risk assessment to establish the areas where barriers need to be used. You must then choose the right type of barrier for each area and ensure that they are placed where they will be most effective. Be sure to inspect your barriers regularly and order replacements if any become damaged. While barriers are an effective deterrent, you should also explain to staff and visitors why they are in place.

Barriers can be an excellent solution to minimise workplace risks and create a safe work environment. There are risks and hazards in every industry, but many of these can be mitigated with the use of high-quality barriers that will restrict access, improve traffic flow, and keep people away from danger.