Barriers for safety

Barriers for safety – It often only takes a split-second for an accident to happen. One brief moment of neglect or distraction can lead to a life-changing event or permanent injury or dis-figuration.

Dangerous items, moving or rotating equipment and even products that could ignite or disperse toxic fumes, need to be secured at all times. It is the responsibility of the Health & Safety Officer, or designated employee, to ensure that it is impossible for visitors or employees to be affected either casually or by accident. Even though we take many things for granted, awareness and understanding is something that is often misunderstood.

Barriers must be put in place – be it a simple rope, fence or (temporary) safety barrier – to prevent anybody on-site being injured by equipment or material. Where there is a fire hazard, a barrier will have to be SABS compliant. But in most other cases, the Occupational Health and Safety Act doesn't really specify what it considers to be a barrier nor does it say what kind of barrier should be used. This can result in serious debate when inspectors of the Department of Labour consider a barrier to be unsafe or insufficient. Applying the 'reasonable man' test could help in most cases; what is it that a reasonable man would do? Don't leave this matter open to debate. Health and safety does matter. Rather be safe than sorry.