Accidents could occur at any time and at any place. The chances of accidents happening are higher at workplaces. As per 2019 data, slips, trips, and falls are the main reason for workplace fatalities. The data shows 36.5% of deaths at the workplace occur due to falls. Experts mention that industrial workplaces and construction sites are two places with high-risk work environments.
As per OSHA guidelines, employers should install safety rails for worker safety to reduce workplace accidents. Here is some vital information on industrial removable safety rails that improve worker safety.
What are Guardrails?
Guardrails are protective types of rails. These safety rails act as a boundary feature and deter access to off-limits or dangerous areas at the workplace. The design of the safety rails allows lights and visibility in a greater way compared to the fence.
Use of Safety Rails in Construction Industry
There are higher chances of workers falling from heights in the construction industry. The removable safety rails can be installed at appropriate places to protect workers. Unlike other protection systems, the worker is not required to undergo any training to use, inspect or wear the fall protection system.
Contractors can install the removable safety rails when work is carried out at heights. When the job at a particular place is finished, the safety rails can be removed and transported to other locations.
Safety rails are essential for worker safety, but they can prevent any disruption or legal hassles from workplace accidents.
Use of Safety Rails in Industrial Plants
In industrial plants, workers must work on raised platforms, roof edges, and access areas using staircases. Falls and slips are common occurrences in the absence of safety rails. Many times workers lose balance when climbing stairs leading to accidental falls. If safety rails are installed, the person can grab the safety rail and avoid falls.
Also, industrial plants have machinery, walls, conveyors, and racks that are dangerous places and need limited access. A yellow line is not enough to prevent people from entering hazardous zones when it comes to safety.
Safety barriers can prevent people from entering these areas and ensure only authorized personnel access these areas. Also, it is helpful to separate common areas from dangerous ones.
This preventative measure can help prevent accidents at the workplace. As per OSHA standard guidelines, companies need to install safety rails to any platform 4 feet above the ground. Here are a few benefits of installing safety rails:
- Non-penetrating safety rails are ideal for the location which needs temporary protection and restrictions. Non-penetrating safety rails keep the roof intact, and you can remove the temporary protection when not needed.
- Safety rails are essential for rooftops with a higher probability of fall accidents. These rails serve a dual purpose; it prevents unauthorized access to the rooftop and act as a protective barrier for employees working on rooftops.
- The handrail system acts as a support to workers when accessing work areas located at heights. It also provides secondary protection to workers to maintain balance, especially when they need to directly access anything at higher platforms.
To sum up, the people working in industrial plants and construction sites are vulnerable to accidents. Safety rails can help reduce the risks and prevent accidents from happening.
