5 Ways to Improve Safety in the Workplace

Designing and maintaining a safe working environment is not only critical to the safety of your employees, but also for protecting the bottom line. Below you’ll find information on five popular structural components for safety.

1. Grating

1. Grating

Grating is a great way to minimize slip hazards that may cause workplace injury in industrial and commercial settings. It’s often used for flooring, walkways, platforms and catwalks. It is designed to allow liquids and other debris to move through the material. For added safety in the workplace, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) grating is often equipped with an anti-skid surface. Use grating anywhere people walk where liquid or debris may be present.

Fiberglass Grating

2. Guardrails & Safety Railing

2. Guardrails & Safety Railing

Guardrails and safety railing systems protect workers from falls. Anywhere a walking surface is raised or is adjacent to a dangerous area is a good place for a guardrail.

Rust, rot and corrosion are indicators that a system may need to be replaced. Another indicator is if the surface has any areas that could cause injury or clothing snags; guardrails should be smooth surfaced.

To comply with standards for safe working environments, look for a system that meets OSHA requirements and requires minimal maintenance. FRP guardrail systems can meet all OSHA requirements while also being lightweight for easy installation.

Guardrails & Handrails

3. Handrails & Grab Rails

3. Handrails & Grab Rails

Handrails and grab rails prevent trips and falls by providing stability and support. They are most commonly used on stairways.

Like guardrails, handrails and grab rails may need to be replaced if the surface is not smooth or if rust, rot or corrosion is present. FRP handrails and guardrails are an excellent weather-resistant alternative to those made with traditional materials like wood or steel.

Handrails and grab rails are subject to OSHA compliance, so look for a product that is designed to meet the requirements of your workplace. Ask about our OSHA-compliant options when requesting a quote.

Handrails & Grab Rails

4. Stairs

4. Stairs

Injuries on stairs occur in all age groups and abilities. Reduce risks by using handrails which allow for an entire-hand grip and stair treads designed to minimize slips. Following OSHA guidelines for stair design and including nosing on the top step also helps to decrease risk.

For existing stair systems, safety can be improved by replacing stair treads, adding stair tread covers, or replacing a handrail. When building or replacing a set of stairs or stair system, find a partner who will design a site-specific staircase with workplace safety in mind.

Stair assemblies

5. Fixed Ladders

5. Fixed Ladders

Access ladders are notoriously dangerous, so any steps you can take to improve safety are important. It might be possible to construct an alternative solution to ladders, like a walkway from a rooftop to a stair assembly.

When it comes to ladders, if there are signs of rust, rot or corrosion, replacement is important. If your site is prone to these problems, FRP is an excellent choice for minimizing repairs and replacement.

Make sure you choose a ladder that adheres to OSHA guidelines for design and installation. Add a walk-through for additional safety.

ReadyLadder system

For each option above, we recommend using fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) rather than steel, aluminum or wood. We recommend this to maximize safety in the workplace, because FRP is:

  • Non-conductive. FRP will not carry an electrical current, so even if it comes in contact with electrical, workers will not receive an electrical shock.
  • Long lasting. FRP won’t rust or rot and is corrosion resistant. It can outlast traditional materials in most environments and will remain a steady surface for workers for a long time.
  • Stable. FRP doesn’t shrink, bow or twist, minimizing trip hazards.

Let’s talk about safety solutions for your work environment.

Achieving Safety in the Workplace with FRP

Industry veteran Tom Wright covers the inherent safety benefits of FRP and how it can be outfitted with even more features to minimize risk of workplace injury when creating or upgrading a safe work environment.

Benefits of Prioritizing Safety

Keep occupational safety and health at the forefront of the decision-making process when creating, replacing, reconfiguring, or upgrading a working environment. The benefits of a safe and healthy workplace include fewer workplace injuries which is beneficial for employees, but also for businesses. Direct and indirect costs related to workplace injuries are costly and affect coworkers, and the employees’ lives and families.

Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. Creating a safe working environment provides employees a foundation to successfully practice workplace safety and health. This sets the stage for safer organizational practices for safety in the workplace.

Contact us to learn more about safety solutions.