Regarding maritime safety, ports and marinas can often be dangerous places to work and visit. Multiple operations and a wide range of industrial equipment and vehicles work around each other in confined spaces. The diverse range of activities, from lifting and launching to cleaning and repairs and operating heavy machinery and vehicles, creates a complex and challenging environment. The presence of pedestrian workers and members of the public alongside this type of activity equates to increased risk, so precautions should always be taken to ensure safe operation.
Where workplace transport and people operate closely together, there is always potential for serious accidents, and ports and marinas are no exception. In 2017, a pontoon traffic marshal was struck by a reversing delivery van at the port terminal. The man suffered multiple serious injuries, including skull and body fractures, and lost sight in one eye. The HSE investigation found a lack of effective control and segregation between pedestrian workers and moving vehicles as a key factor in the incident[1].
Many of the vehicles commonly used at ports and marinas, such as straddle carriers, reach stackers, cranes, and forklifts, can suffer from limited driver visibility, which obviously contributes to the risk. Operations take place all hours of the day, often in adverse weather conditions, with lots of noise and low visibility, which adds to the challenge.
Common workplace transport risks around ports and marinas and maritime safety include:
- Caída de cargas inestables
- Carga y descarga de vehículos
- Falta de separación entre peatones y vehículos en los accesos
- Acoplamiento y desacoplamiento de remolques y buques
- Vehículos marcha atrás
- Circulación de vehículos alrededor de los buques y muelles
Si bien los trabajadores están formados para ser conscientes de estas cuestiones, la incorporación del público a la mezcla crea una capa adicional de consideración cuando se trata de la seguridad. Los pasajeros, los propietarios de embarcaciones y el público que simplemente disfruta de un paseo por un puerto deportivo no suelen ser conscientes de la maquinaria que les rodea, por lo que pueden encontrarse accidentalmente en una situación de riesgo.
Los accidentes de transporte en el lugar de trabajo tienen lugar todos los días en diversos sectores del Reino Unido y a menudo provocan accidentes graves y mortales. Ser golpeado por un vehículo en movimiento es una de las causas más comunes de accidente laboral mortal y las cifras del HSE muestran que 20 personas murieron de esta manera en 2022/23[2]. Para nuestros clientes, ZoneSafe desempeña un papel vital en la reducción de este tipo de incidentes.
En otros sectores, muchos de nuestros clientes optan por Etiquetas de aviso de proximidad ZoneSafe como parte del EPI cotidiano de los trabajadores, pero en un entorno con miembros del público y zonas en las que hay un acceso incontrolado de peatones, como un puerto deportivo, se requiere un enfoque diferente.
Mejorar la seguridad marítima
La gama ZoneSafe de soluciones de advertencia de proximidad incluye sensor-activated products that can easily address these issues.
ZoneSafe sensor-activated warning signs communicate directly with working vehicles and automatically illuminate when approaching. This means pedestrians in the area are immediately drawn to the sign, alerting them of the danger. The system is proven to reduce potential collision risks between pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
¿Cómo funcionan las señales de advertencia activadas por sensores?
A sensor is mounted to the vehicle, and a detection zone is created around signage at an adjustable distance. The signage is only activated when a vehicle reaches the detection zone, and it automatically illuminates and, in some cases, sounds an alarm to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence (if required).
The warning is only active when a vehicle is present, so the signage offers an engaging solution that grabs attention when needed. The sign uses alternating, flashing amber lights to create a highly visual experience, alerting everyone of the presence of risk.
Unlike a static warning sign, which often gets filtered out, ZoneSafe’s sensor-activated sign draws attention only when a potential hazard exists and then automatically turns off, preventing sign blindness and over-warning when the risk of an accident or collision is no longer present.
Señalización activa de ZoneSafe offers a practical solution to pedestrian/vehicle collision risk in numerous environments including ports and marinas. ZoneSafe is a powerful tool for enhancing onsite safety, reducing the risk of collisions, raising awareness and driving positive, safe behaviours.
Get in touch to discuss maritime safety and learn more about ZoneSafe.
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[2] Introducción a la seguridad en el transporte laboral - HSE
