In a clean workplace, operators can comfortably engage in production activities. Being that it is autumn labor safety week, I will introduce a long awaited “shock-absorbing barrier” that will protect both of those hitting and being hit.
A lot of factories install metal poles or guardrails in order to prevent forklifts from unintentionally hitting and damaging equipment, work in process, and finished products. However, those protective items are often left with flaws and dents and the forklifts also with lots of scratches on the surface. Many say “it’s impossible to keep them in good condition all the time”.
Because of this, I have brought back a great solution from a corrugated factory in the Netherlands. This is a shock absorbing barrier that is made from a type of resin colored with bright yellow like Dutch cheese. The yellow colored unit is highly visible. Originally this product was developed to decrease collision risks for facilities and buildings of international airports where various operation vehicles were frequently running. Therefore, it had shock absorbing and shape recovery function against an extremely high force of impact. The barrier will not break down even if a forklift that weighs 8 metric tons collides with the speed of 16 kilometer per hour (9.94 mph) and an approach angle of 45 degree.
I asked the factory manager about the benefits of switching from the guardrail to the synthetic resin crash barrier. He said, “Synthetic resin crash barriers have a shape recovery ability compared to metal crash barriers, so that it has to be replaced less frequently and can reduce running costs. Furthermore, the resin crash barrier is not anchored or embedded in a concrete foundation. Possible damage of it would cause lower repair costs because the damage of the foundation is minimized.
The more significant effects were changes in bad forklift driving behavior and a better organized work area. That’s because the forklift area is clearly labeled by these barriers.” Psychologically it seems to make a big difference just seeing the barriers.
P.S. Speaking of my“luxury”car, it has crash damage. It happened in a parking garage while passing by another car in a narrow space. I think this new crash barrier should be introduced to administrative institutions and discount stores first. What do you think?
Shock-absorbing barrier
