Page 89 - OHS, July/August 2020

add a plastic strip to cover up rough edges. That strip may fall off over time. Strength is also added by using heavy-duty columns and base plates. Avoid guard rail with weaker columns measuring only 4 inches by 4 inches, or base plates that measure only 10 inches by 10 inches with a thickness of only one half of an inch. Lighter materials may reduce the manufacturer’s cost, but it may also lower your level of protection. When assembled, rails should be bolted to the inside of the column, not to the front. Some manufacturers have designed their guard rails to bolt to the front of each column, exposing sharp jagged edges.
Changing Perceptions
A manufacturer can design and build the best guard rail in the world, but what good does it serve if it is not being used (as is often the case)? A guard rail is mistakenly viewed as a commodity item that people historically do not think much about for their facility. They have never had personnel injured or equipment damaged be- cause of a vehicle accident, and so this protective equipment is not given too much thought. Of course, once an accident occurs, facil- ity managers quickly see the value that it can provide.
However, the importance of installing guarding solutions to protect people and equipment prior to an accident seems to be resonating with companies. Sales of protective guard rail are on the rise. Companies interested in maintaining a healthy bottom line see the value of investments in products that protect and maintain the equipment they have. A guard rail is a relatively inexpensive way to provide that protection.
In a facility with equipment that can sometimes be valued at more than a million dollars, properly protecting it with durable guarding systems that may cost just a few thousand dollars is a smart way to protect that investment. Think of a guard rail as insur- ance for your facility and equipment and the products it produces. How much money will it cost your company if production stops for a day or more due to damage inflicted by a forklift accident? And what is the cost to cover workman’s compensation or a lawsuit in the event of an injury or death? Installing a relatively inexpensive, quality guarding system can prevent those types of accidents and provide peace of mind knowing that equipment and personnel are protected from harm every day.
Dave Milner is Wildeck’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In this role, Milner is responsible for directing all sales and marketing strategies, overseeing the growth of Wildeck’s distribution network and expanding the company’s reach within the material handling marketplace. Milner’s focused results-driven management style, along with his ability to lead a high-performance sales team across multiple channels, has allowed Wildeck to sustain its position as a premier U.S. manufacturer of material handling equipment and safety guarding products.
REFERENCES
https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/forklifts-2017.htm https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/
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