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Workplace Transport and Pedestrian Safety in Paper Manufacturing

Workplace Transport and Pedestrian Safety

in Paper Mills

ZoneSafe improves health and safety in paper mills by reducing collision-risk.

Health and Safety in Paper Mills – The Risks

Unintended transport hazards in the paper manufacturing industry, particularly where pedestrians and vehicles interact, significantly increase the risk of fatal and severe injuries from accidents. This danger is often exacerbated by limited visibility in environments where the movement of large loads and machinery can severely obstruct views and clear lines of sight.

According to RIDDOR data:

The manufacturing sector experienced 16 fatal injuries to workers in 2023/24, with a five-year average of 17 deaths per year.
Being struck by a moving vehicle caused 25 worker fatalities across all industries in 2023/24, representing 18% of all worker deaths.

The persistent and serious nature of transport-related risks highlights the critical need for robust safety measures in manufacturing, including operations like paper mills. This is vital for protecting workers, and indeed, under health and safety law, employers have a legal duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, their employees’ health, safety, and welfare.

Our pedestrian detection system actively boosts situational awareness and promotes safer practices within paper manufacturing facilities, effectively lowering the chance of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.

We’re proud to protect workers and health and safety in paper mills, delivering a tried-and-tested proximity warning system that promotes a ‘Zero-harm’ culture. Find out exactly what our customers say about ZoneSafe in our case study videos.

*These provisional figures will be finalised in July 2025. This allows HSE to account for any necessary adjustments or late reports that may come in.

Sector Statistics up to 2023/2024*

%

Non Fatal Injuries to Workers Struck by Moving Vehicles

x

Higher Fatality Rate Than Average Across Industries

Fatal Injuries to Workers Per Year

Help your employees
to feel safe at work

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Improve your
safety culture

Manoeuvring Blind Spots Safely With 360° Detection

Keeping your workforce safe on busy worksites operating heavy plant machinery is no easy task. Vehicle blind spots, concealed entrances, blind corners, obstructions and unexpected behaviours all increase the risk of a pedestrian being hit by a moving vehicle.

ZoneSafe proximity warning technology excels in health and safety in paper mills. Unlike other solutions available on the market, such as an AI camera system, Zonesafe’s pedestrian detection system does not rely on line of sight, and it will detect pedestrian workers (even when they can’t be seen!) from behind walls, racking, pallets and even paper reels, thanks to its clever use of RFID technology.

ZoneSafe Vehicle-to-Person Alert works by fitting an antenna to the vehicle. This creates a 360-degree detection zone around the vehicle, helping to eliminate vehicle blind spots. Pedestrian workers wear a ZoneSafe tag, which the antenna detects every time the pedestrian (and tag) enters the detection zone. Once detected, the in-cab control unit warns the driver via an audible and visual alarm, and the tag worn by the pedestrian vibrates, alerting the pedestrian to the danger of the approaching vehicle.

Multi-Fleet
Vehicle Applications for
Health and Safety in Paper Mills

Shovel Loaders

Shovel loaders are a significant hazard to pedestrians. Large buckets, attachments, even the shape of the vehicle creates blindspots for the driver and increases the risk of collisions.

Forklifts

Forklifts have many different blind spots thanks to the loads they carry, distorted view from the cab and shape of the vehicle. These significantly increase the risk of collisions.

Health and Safety in Paper Mills
Risks from Workplace Transport

It’s essential to segregate moving vehicles and pedestrian workers on your worksite. There are many different areas and situations in paper mills where this isn’t always possible, such as any area where a vehicle reverses. Vehicle blind spots and site layout all increase the risk of accidents.

ZoneSafe works in any paper manufacturing environment, including: