Navigating the Buzz: Plant and Pit putting safety first

Commercial fulfillment and delivery centre warehouses are bustling, dynamic hubs, but behind the scenes, there's a vital aspect that keeps everything running like clockwork: the ability to navigate around plant and pit safely and efficiently.

NPSG Australia Assistant Project Manager Chris Coote says plant and pit refers to any machinery that is used and operated by workers in the workplace. 

For Chris, safety is the key word. Where plant and pit is concerned, he says, safety is what drives companies and the individuals within them to improve on designs and work practices. 

He says signage plays a key role in this area adding it is valuable to let people know things quickly. “Someone who has no knowledge and experience can view signage and understand the basics of what is going on.” 

But, he adds, most plant and pit operations require professional training, and a license or certificate of competence to drive and operate any plant. 

Chris cites the use of forklifts. He says their use requires a clear path of travel as well as exclusion zones to keep pedestrians safe and separate. “For elevated work platforms (EWP) an exclusion zone matches the height of the EWP, so if it were to fall, it would be inside the zone,” says Chris. 

Chris summarises the approach to managing plant and pit by saying effective navigation around them demands a comprehensive approach that prioritises safety, efficiency, and employee well-being. 

He says through thorough training, clear signage, ergonomic design, and proactive maintenance, companies can create a workplace where employees feel secure and empowered to perform their duties effectively.