Why Verge Safety Barriers are Essential for Workplace Protection

In high-pressure work environments, productivity often overshadows safety, but the cost of that mindset can be devastating, both financially and in human terms.

When it comes to safety, some decisions are not negotiable.  One of the most overlooked yet critical controls in industrial and operational settings is the use of Verge Safety Barriers.

These are not just visual guides, they are physical protection.  Verge barriers separate people from plant, prevent impact damage, control vehicle movement and send a clear message to workers: this environment is designed with your safety in mind.

Why do workplaces ignore the use of safety barriers?

When the installation of safety barriers is ignored or inadequately implemented, the consequences can be severe.  From increased risk of workplace injuries to costly legal battles and damaged reputations. The fallout from neglecting safety can impact your business in ways that go far beyond the immediate.

Installing verge barriers is not a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a compliance measure.

The True Cost of Doing Nothing

Often, safety barriers are deemed “non-essential” during fitouts or expansions.  The logic: “We’ve never had an incident here before.” But safety is not measured by luck.  It’s measured by what is in place to prevent that one catastrophic moment from ever happening.

For example, a single vehicle strike can result in:

• Severe or fatal injury to a worker or visitor
• Machinery or racking collapse
• Downtime that halts operations
• Regulatory investigation
• Fines exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Reputational damage that takes years to rebuild

Case in Point

WorkSafe QLD prosecuted manufacturer Drake Trailers Pty Ltd following an incident where a reversing forklift crushed a worker’s foot. At the time, there were no barriers, no exclusion zones, just an open walkway alongside moving plant.

Basic controls like bollards and traffic zoning were only installed after the injury.

It wasn’t their first incident, and the court recorded a conviction along with a $75,000 fine.

Reminder

If you have forklifts and foot traffic crossing paths- Act now!
Barriers protect people. Inaction costs lives and livelihoods.

It’s not just Best Practice – It’s a Legal Obligation

Under the WHS Act and Regulations, a PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) is required to eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable.  If elimination isn’t possible, then risks must be minimised.

Verge Safety Barriers are part of that risk minimisation. Regulation 36 of the Model WHS Regulations outlines duties regarding the layout of the workplace, including traffic routes and the separation of pedestrians and vehicles.

Invest Now or Pay Later

It’s often said in safety that “the cost of prevention is always lower than the cost of an incident.”  This could not be truer than when it comes to fixed barriers.  A well-planned investment in physical separation is a fraction of the cost of legal claims, lost time injuries, workers compensation premiums and disruption.

You wouldn’t remove fire extinguishers because there hasn’t been a fire.  Don’t avoid installing barriers just because you’ve been lucky so far.  Investing in high-quality verge safety barriers is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a proactive step towards ensuring the well-being of your workforce and the sustainability of your business.

By prioritising safety and implementing robust safety barriers, you are not only protecting your employees but also safeguarding your bottom line.  Remember, the cost of ignoring safety far outweighs the investment in protective measures.

Leadership Requires Action

As a business leader, it’s your responsibility to implement systems, controls and infrastructure that safeguard your people.  Verge Safety Barriers are a visible symbol of leadership commitment, not only to compliance, but to a culture of care.

Verge Safety Barriers are a crucial component in safeguarding your workplace.  These barriers are designed to prevent accidents by clearly marking hazardous areas and protecting workers from potential harm.

If you’re not sure whether your layout is compliant or whether your barriers are sufficient, get it assessed.  We have seen firsthand the regret and cost that follow, after a preventable incident.

Don’t let inaction be your legacy.

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