Verge-ECO™ Rail: Why Every Warehouse Needs This Handrail System to Protect Pedestrians in High-Risk Zones

In high-risk workplaces like warehouses and storage facilities, where pedestrians and vehicles share tight, high-traffic spaces, safety cannot be left to chance or to good luck.  If you are running a warehouse and have not implemented clearly defined pedestrian zones with effective physical barriers, you are leaving workers exposed to serious risk.

That is where the Verge-ECO™ Rail handrail system comes in.  It is more than a set of rails, it is a proven engineering control designed to physically separate people from mobile plant and machinery, helping you meet your WHS obligations while preventing devastating incidents.

Without safety controls very quickly things can go wrong, for example, when there’s no proper segregation between people and plant.  We have seen the massive difference that solid, practical infrastructure like the Verge-ECO™ Rail makes on the warehouse floor.

What’s the Problem? The Risk to Pedestrians in Warehouses…

In warehouse and logistics environments, pedestrians often share space with forklifts, electric pallet jacks, delivery trucks and other high-risk plant.  The NSW Centre for Work Health and Safety identifies traffic management as one of the highest priorities in reducing fatalities and serious injuries in warehousing and logistics.

In fact, between 2003 and 2015, the Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry had the highest number of worker fatalities in NSW many due to vehicle collisions and being struck by moving plant (SafeWork NSW).

Without a robust traffic management plan and effective pedestrian separation, your workplace is a ticking time bomb.  And do not assume high-vis vests and painted lines are enough they are not.

Verge-ECO™ Rail: A Real Barrier, Not Just a Visual Cue…

The Verge-ECO™ Rail handrail system offers a durable, heavy-duty solution for creating dedicated pedestrian walkways that keep workers physically separated from moving vehicles and machinery.  

Here is why it works:

Physical protection

Verge-ECO™ Rails are not designed to stop vehicle impacts. Instead, they act as clear, high-visibility barriers that guide pedestrian movement and prevent people from straying into hazardous zones where forklifts or other mobile plant are operating.

Modular and adaptable

These rails can be installed around workstations, in front of racking, across loading docks and anywhere pedestrians may be exposed to moving vehicles.

Compliance-ready

They help businesses meet their WHS obligations under the WHS Act 2011, which mandates eliminating or minimising risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

Sustainability

Made from recyclable materials and engineered for longevity, Verge-ECO™ Rails align with businesses prioritising environmental responsibility without compromising on safety.

The Legal Requirement for Pedestrian Safety

Under the Model WHS Regulations, employers must implement control measures to manage the risks associated with moving plant and pedestrian traffic.  Regulation 36 specifies that risks must be eliminated or minimised using the hierarchy of control starting with engineering controls.

That means if you not relying only on signage or administrative procedures, you are not compliant.

Engineering controls like the Verge-ECO™ Rail are not just “nice to have” they are a key part of your legal duty of care.

Real-World Application: Where Verge-ECO™ Rail Makes a Difference

Verge-ECO™ Rail is recommended for workplaces that need to separate pedestrians from high-risk areas. It supports safer, more organised sites by defining clear walkways and boundaries, reducing the chance of people straying into operational zones.

• Loading docks – separate delivery zones from foot traffic, especially during active unloading and dispatch.
• Amenity access – shield walkways leading to break rooms, bathrooms, and exits high pedestrian zones vulnerable to plant movement.
• External Walkways – to ensure pedestrians stay on designated paths and don’t take shortcuts through high traffic zones
• Driver Safety Areas – to clearly define safe zones for drivers to wait during loading/unloading procedures.

A Culture of Safety Requires Physical Solutions

Developing a genuine culture of safety means more than toolbox talks and safety posters.  If physical hazards are left unaddressed, the workforce quickly recognises that safety is not a true priority.

Installing systems such as Verge-ECO™ Rails sends a clear message: “Safety matters here, and the business has invested in the infrastructure to back it up.”  That kind of visible commitment influences behaviours across the board. Workers stay more alert, supervisors remain actively engaged, and visitors can clearly see where they should and shouldn’t go. It creates benefits at every level.

Practical Steps to Implement Verge-ECO™ Rail in Your Warehouse

Here is a simple approach to get started:

• Conduct a pedestrian risk assessment: Identify all high-traffic zones where people and vehicles intersect.
• Review your traffic management plan: Update it to include engineering controls like handrails.
• Engage your team: Get input from workers on the ground they know where the near misses happen.
• Get expert help: Work with a qualified safety consultant or supplier to scope and install the system.
• Monitor and review: Regularly inspect handrails, bollards and designated paths to ensure they remain effective and unobstructed.

The Bottom Line

If you are not serious about safety in your warehouse, Verge-ECO™ Rail is not optional, it is essential.  The cost of installation is minimal compared to the cost of a serious incident, not to mention the legal and reputational damage you will face if someone is injured on your watch.

Protect your workers.  Protect your business.  Choose physical controls that prevent harm because safety is not just about compliance, it is about doing the right thing.

Want help assessing traffic risks in your warehouse?

Our team supports businesses in conducting safety audits, upgrading traffic management systems, and embedding safety into day-to-day operations. Get in touch to arrange a site walkthrough or a tailored consultation.

Because when it comes to high-risk zones, there’s no room for guesswork.

Ready to create a safe work environment?

Call our team on 1800 765 539 for tailored advice and support.