Guard rail is one of those components in a facility that typically is not top-of-mind with companies until it’s too late.

What do people think when they hear the term “guard rail”? Is it something on an elevated platform that prevents people from falling? Is it that low-profile metal strip that runs along the freeway? Or maybe nothing significant comes to mind? Unfortunately, the latter is often the case, especially when talking about guard rail in an industrial setting. Guard rail is one of those components in a facility that typically is not top-of-mind with companies until it’s too late. Soft federal guidelines for its use have helped contribute to its low awareness within facilities and have placed the responsibilities on individual companies to implement. However, when used properly, it can effectively protect equipment, assets and personnel in and around a facility. The key is to identify areas in need of guard rail, correctly specify it for the application and take action.

While an industrial guard rail protects machinery and provides a safe and efficient work environment, its most important role is protecting people. Forklifts, Tugger AGVs and other material handling vehicles are commonplace in manufacturing facilities and often operate near employees. Sometimes their paths do cross...with deadly results. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2011 to 2017, 614 workers lost their lives in forklift related incidents and more than 7,000 nonfatal injuries with days away from work occurred every year.

How do forklift accidents happen? OSHA reports that most accidents could have been prevented with better operator training. Still, it is easy to see how an accident can occur. Many manufacturing facilities have tight lanes for forklift traffic. If a turn is not executed properly, the wheels or forks could sway into a designated “safe area” occupied by employees or equipment. Place an inexperienced driver behind a forklift and the risks increase. Well-positioned guard rail can help reduce the chance of accidents by preventing forklifts and other vehicles from straying into dangerous or off-limits areas.

This article originally appeared in the August 2020 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

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