Enhance Workplace Safety with Brandsafe’s Comprehensive Site Safety Audits
At Brandsafe, we recognise the crucial need for maintaining a secure workplace. Our comprehensive Site Safety Audits are tailored to ensure that all installed safety measures not only continue to perform effectively but also comply with stringent safety standards. Designed to pre-emptively identify and mitigate potential hazards, these audits are instrumental in fostering a safer work environment and enhancing operational safety for all employees. Our Site Safety Audit is methodically structured into three phases: 'Inspect', 'Report', and 'Recommend'. This systematic approach ensures comprehensive evaluation and sustained compliance with safety standards.
Building on this commitment to workplace safety, our audits encompass a thorough examination of existing protocols and equipment. By integrating both a visual and functional assessment of safety barriers, signage, and emergency access points, we ensure that every aspect of your safety infrastructure is up to date and functioning as intended. Our expert auditors focus on critical areas that may be overlooked during regular operations, providing you with insights and actionable data that drive continuous safety improvements.
Inspect
The initial phase of our Site Safety Audit involves a comprehensive on-site inspection led by our seasoned safety specialists. This inspection includes a detailed examination of each installed safety feature—ranging from Polymer Barriers and Bollards to Line Markings—to evaluate their current condition and functionality. Our experts diligently look for any signs of deterioration, damage, or other concerns that could potentially compromise safety. Employing exhaustive checklists and best-in-class practices, we guarantee a meticulous assessment with no detail overlooked.
Report
After the inspection, a comprehensive pictorial report is compiled to provide a detailed overview of the current state of your safety installations. The report encompasses photographs of each inspected item, annotations on any observed defects or conditions, and a comprehensive assessment of the safety environment. This documentation is essential for monitoring the longevity and effectiveness of safety solutions and serves as a vital record for compliance purposes.
Recommend
Based on the findings from our inspection and the insights gathered from the report, we provide tailored recommendations to address any identified issues. Whether it’s replacing worn-out materials, updating outdated installations, or suggesting additional safety measures, our recommendations are designed to enhance safety and compliance with the latest industry standards. We also offer guidance on best practices for maintenance to prolong the life of your safety solutions.
Schedule Your Health and Safety Audit Today
Ensure your safety measures meet the highest standards. Contact us now to schedule your free annual product inspection. We offer flexible scheduling to seamlessly accommodate your operations. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your workplace safety—book your audit today.
The Critical Importance of Health and Safety Audits
Impact of Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents and injuries significantly impact businesses, leading to lost productivity, increased downtime, and long-term health issues for employees. They also expose companies to legal and financial risks. Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive reveal that annually around 50 people die and over 5,000 are injured in workplace transport accidents in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for effective safety measures.
Adhering to PAS 13 Standards
The PAS 13 standard, developed by the British Standards Institution in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive and industry experts, offers a robust framework for traffic management and safety barrier implementation in industrial settings. It provides comprehensive guidelines on the specifications, placement, and testing of safety barriers to exceed safety requirements and protect both personnel and infrastructure.
Three-Phase Safety Audit Process
Following PAS 13 guidelines, our auditing process is structured into three phases: inspect, report, and recommend. The initial inspection identifies both current and potential safety concerns, critically assessing the impact resistance, dimensions, and placement of safety solutions. Detailed testing is included to ensure maximum protection.
In the report phase, findings are detailed in a comprehensive document that tracks the effectiveness of installed safety measures and ensures compliance with safety regulations. The final phase involves providing tailored recommendations for necessary improvements or updates to meet the latest safety standards, ensuring ongoing protection for personnel and infrastructure.
Legal Compliance and Regular Audits
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, UK employers are mandated to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, which includes regular risk assessments and audits. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 further require that risks be systematically assessed and managed. Regular safety audits are crucial in warehouse and industrial environments where the risk of accidents involving heavy machinery and large volumes of goods is high. These audits are essential not only for compliance with standards like PAS 13 but also for enhancing operational efficiency and employee safety.
The Value and Necessity of Regular Safety Audits
Regular health and safety audits are essential for safeguarding the workforce and maintaining efficient, compliant operations. While not always legally mandated, these audits are strongly recommended as part of best practices. Neglecting safety equipment checks and health and safety training can lead to severe legal repercussions if incidents occur.
Safety audits examine every element of workplace safety infrastructure, from barrier stability to signage visibility. Implementing insights from these audits enhances safety, reduces downtime, and prevents costly accidents, boosting operational efficiency and employee morale while protecting the company's reputation.
Partnering with Brandsafe
Brandsafe is dedicated to collaborating with you to conduct these audits, ensuring that your safety measures meet both compliance standards and are optimised for your specific operational needs. By scheduling your next health and safety audit with us, you are taking a significant step towards mitigating accidents and enhancing a culture of safety within your organisation.
Take Proactive Steps with Brandsafe Audits
Reach out to Brandsafe today to discover how our comprehensive safety audits can safeguard your most valuable asset—your workforce. Protecting your team not only complies with legal standards but also builds a foundation for a resilient and efficient operational environment.
Conclusion
Regular health and safety audits are essential for any business committed to the safety of its workforce and to maintaining a legally compliant operation. By following best practices and implementing regular audits, you ensure the highest safety outcomes, effectively protecting both people and assets. Contact Brandsafe now to schedule your audit and secure a safer tomorrow for your business.
IWS Group Announces Leadership Changes: Welcoming New Divisional Managing Director
In an exciting development, IWS Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Coleman as the new Divisional Managing Director for both Brandsafe and Rack Group, effective June 12, 2024. This strategic move comes as part of an ongoing review of IWS Group’s operating structure.
Gary brings a wealth of experience with him to this new role, having spent over 18 years in the industrial sector, primarily with NENE Warehouse Solutions. During his tenure at NENE, Gary held several key positions, including National Account Manager and Managing Director, demonstrating his expertise and leadership capabilities.
Gary expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am thrilled to join the talented team at IWS Group. Together, we will work towards driving the business forward, enhancing our service offerings, and ensuring we provide exceptional value to our customers. I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of Rack Group and Brandsafe and am excited about the opportunities ahead.”
In conjunction with this appointment, Susy Keating has decided to step down from her role at Brandsafe after a decade of dedicated service. Susy’s contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of Brandsafe, and her decision to leave was made with careful consideration. Susy will remain with the company until the end of July, ensuring a smooth transition by working closely with Gary and the team.
“Over the past 10 years, Brandsafe has been a significant part of Susy’s professional journey. Her commitment and dedication have been invaluable to both Brandsafe and IWS Group,” said Richard Harden, CEO of IWS Group. “We thank Susy for her remarkable service and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
The operational, sales, installation, and finance structures within Brandsafe and Rack Group will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity and stability for our clients and partners.
Please join us in welcoming Gary Coleman to IWS Group. We are confident that his extensive experience and leadership skills will drive continued success for both Brandsafe and Rack Group.
About IWS Group
IWS Group is a family of market-leading product brands, manufacturers and service companies, providing essential services and supplies to the logistics, material handling and other industrial sectors across Europe and beyond.
The industry best practice for safety barriers and traffic management in the workplace
PAS 13 was developed as a code of practice for safety barriers by the British Standards Institution (BSI), and is published as a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 13 - the code of practice for safety barriers used in traffic management within workplace environments with test methods for safety barrier impact resilience.
What is the PAS 13 code of practice?
PAS 13 is the only global code of practice for industrial safety barriers. It is intended to be used as a reference point for engineers, architects, contractors, health and safety professionals, as well as any other stakeholders involved in the design, construction, deployment and maintenance of safety barriers. The code is based on the principles of risk assessment and recommends selecting the appropriate safety barriers based on the potential hazards and risks in the surrounding area.
Compliance with PAS 13 helps to ensure that the installed safety barriers are effective in protecting people and assets from potential hazards and ultimately minimising the risk of accidents and injuries.
Why was the PAS 13 standard created?
The consequences of workplace accidents and injuries can be severe. They can result in lost productivity, downtime, and increased maintenance and repairs, all of which can potentially be very costly. Moreover, they can lead to long-term health problems for employees and possible legal and financial liabilities for the company.
According to the Health and Safety Executive statistics, approximately 50 people are killed each year, and more than 5,000 are injured in accidents involving workplace transport. PAS 13 outlines the best practice traffic management procedures for workplaces and provides a standard for the safety barriers within them.
Mixing vehicle and pedestrian routes will always increase the risk of potential accidents, so it is imperative that steps are taken to minimise this. PAS 13 gives recommendations for impact resistance, dimensions and positions of safety barriers in the workplace; guidance on how to manage the risks associated with vehicles within the workplace; and specifies the criteria for testing the impact resistance of a safety barrier.
Who created the PAS 13 standard?
PAS 13 was created and published by the British Standards Institution in association with the Health and Safety Executive. The BSI worked with a steering group made up of many high-profile blue-chip companies. These companies were able to offer first-hand experience of health and safety initiatives across a range of industry sectors, to create a consistent and transferable set of guidelines for optimal safety barrier installation.
PAS 13 overview
PAS 13 is the global code of practice for industrial safety barriers, which provides comprehensive guidance on the best practices to employ when these safety barriers are installed in the workplace. As mentioned earlier, it is an official document produced by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is globally recognised as the most reliable code of practice for industrial safety barriers.
PAS 13 is broken down into two sections. The first section provides health and safety and operations managers with detailed guidance on the correct application of safety barriers at busy facilities. This section includes recommendations on how to select the appropriate safety barrier system based on the level of risk, traffic flow, and environmental conditions.
The second section of PAS 13 is primarily for safety barrier manufacturers. It covers how to conduct standardised testing and certification of safety barriers for strength and durability, as well as how to record and publicise these results in a way that is clear and transparent for customers. This section of PAS 13 helps manufacturers ensure that their products meet the required strength and durability standards, giving customers peace of mind when selecting their safety barrier systems.
Advantages of using PAS 13 certified safety barriers
The use of PAS 13 certified safety barriers in industrial workplaces can have numerous benefits, including:
Racking protection
Safety barriers can also provide protection for racking and other storage systems. In busy industrial facilities, forklifts and other vehicles can cause damage to racking, which can be costly to repair or replace. Impact barriers can absorb the force of collisions, minimising damage and reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Pedestrian protection
PAS 13 safety barriers are used to create safe pedestrian walkways in busy workplaces. By separating pedestrian areas from areas where vehicles are operating, the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. This can help to create a safer working environment and reduce the risk of accidents.
Forklift damage
Forklifts are a common cause of impact damage in industrial facilities, and collisions with other vehicles, racking, and equipment can be costly to repair. PAS 13 certified safety barriers will help to deflect and absorb the force of collisions, reducing the risk of damage to forklifts and other vehicles.
Maintenance and repair costs
By reducing the risk of impact damage to racking, equipment, and vehicles, safety barriers can also help to reduce maintenance and repair costs. In addition, impact barriers themselves are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
Employee safety
One of the most significant benefits of using PAS 13 certified barriers is the increased safety of employees. These barriers are designed to protect employees from accidents caused by moving machinery, falling objects, and collisions with vehicles. By providing a physical barrier between employees and potential hazards, the risk of injury is greatly reduced.
The use of PAS 13 certified safety barriers in industrial workplaces can have numerous benefits, including increased employee safety, protection for racking and other storage systems, safe pedestrian walkways, reduced damage to forklifts and other vehicles, and lower maintenance and repair costs. By investing in these safety barriers and following the guidelines set out in PAS 13, companies can create a safer working environment and improve the efficiency of their operations.
Benefits of following the PAS 13 standard
Health and safety managers, procurement specialists, directors, facility managers, project managers and site safety leaders all benefit from following PAS 13. It will also likely be of interest to those who want to apply traffic management procedures, as well as those who manufacture, test and measure the performance of safety barriers.
Here are some of the ways that implementing PAS 13 can greatly improve the use of impact safety barriers in industrial workplaces:
Clear guidelines for barrier selection: PAS 13 provides detailed guidelines for the correct application of safety barriers in industrial facilities. This includes information on the selection of barriers that best fit the needs of the facility, taking into account factors such as vehicle types, traffic flow, and the potential for impact.
Standardised testing for barrier strength and durability: The second section of PAS 13 covers how to conduct standardised testing of safety barriers for strength and durability, and record results in a way that is clear and transparent for customers. This ensures that all barriers used in the facility meet a consistent standard for safety and durability.
Improved traffic management: The guidelines set out in PAS 13 can also help to improve traffic management in industrial facilities. By using barriers to separate pedestrian walkways from areas where vehicles are operating, the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. This can help to create a safer working environment and improve the efficiency of operations by reducing downtime due to accidents.
Safety: The primary objective of impact barriers is to prevent accidents and protect workers from hazards. By manufacturers following the recommendations and requirements set out in PAS 13, customers can ensure that their safety barriers are properly designed and installed to provide maximum protection for workers.
Risk assessment: PAS 13 emphasises the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment before installing safety barriers. This helps businesses identify potential hazards and ensure that their safety barriers are designed to address these specific risks.
Cost-effectiveness: Properly designed and installed safety barriers can help reduce the risk of accidents and damage to equipment and products, which can ultimately result in cost savings for businesses.
The Single Bumper Pedestrian Barriers enhance workplace safety by providing a crucial shield against impacts from Material Handling Equipment (MHE), benefiting both pedestrians and vehicles.
These barriers are rigorously tested according to the PAS 13 code of practice, demonstrating an impressive impact resistance of 11,000 joules and a deflection capability of 224mm, meaning they flex upon impact and return to their original shape.
Suitable for diverse environments, they can be utilised in ambient, chilled, and freezer settings. Available in high-visibility yellow & blue or safety yellow & grey, with bespoke colours offered upon request to meet specific aesthetic needs.
The Double Bumper Pedestrian Barriers provide robust protection for both pedestrians and vehicles. Constructed from heavy-duty polymer, these barriers are designed to offer the highest level of impact safety.
They meet the rigorous PAS 13 code of practice and can withstand impact energies of up to 14,200 joules. Upon impact, they flex to absorb energy and then reform to their original shape, demonstrating excellent resilience.
Suitable for use in various environments, from ambient to chilled and freezer settings, these barriers are available in standard high-visibility yellow and blue or safety yellow and grey. For those requiring a specific aesthetic, bespoke colours can be requested to align with different design requirements.
Summary
In conclusion, the use of safety barriers in industrial workplaces is essential for protecting employees and equipment from impact damage. The implementation of the PAS 13 code of practice for industrial safety barriers provides a reliable and effective means of ensuring that the correct barriers are selected and used in these workplaces. PAS 13 provides clear guidelines for barrier selection, standardised testing for barrier strength and durability, improved traffic management, reduced maintenance and repair costs, and compliance with safety regulations.
By following the guidelines set out in PAS 13, companies can create a safer working environment for their staff and ultimately improve the efficiency of their operations. Investing in high-quality safety barriers that meet PAS 13 standards not only reduces the risk of accidents, but also protects the company from potential liability and will reduce maintenance and repair costs over time.
Therefore, we highly recommend that all industrial workplaces follow the PAS 13 code of practice when selecting and implementing safety barriers. As a leading provider of impact safety barriers, our company offers a range of high-quality polymer safety barriers that have been independently certified to the PAS 13 standard.
Contact us today to see how we can help optimise safety in your workplace.
