It doesn’t matter where you work; there are always hazards at play that you need to be aware of and mindful of. Among the most dangerous are industrial workplaces, which combine working at height with harmful and often incredibly hazardous equipment.
As such, having the right processes in place is crucial to maintaining a space where health and safety are prevalent, particularly when it comes to accessing and navigating various obstacles.
What are Stepover Access Platforms?
Stepover access platforms are designed with an angled ladder at either side of the platform, forming a kind of bridge shape which rises up and over a wall or obstacle.
They create a bridge whereby workers can safely navigate and traverse something on site, be it a large pipe, a hole, a wall, or something else – with the benefit being their versatile structure and portable design, not to mention their efficient and simple build time.
Stepover access platforms can be as tall as you need them to be, making even the most challenging of onsite issues easier to navigate.
How They Improve Workplace Safety
You need only consider the alternatives to stepover access platforms to really identify the safety features of these solutions. Without the steps and platform to walk up and over, workers would have to find other means of accessing difficult-to-reach locations on site, whether that be using regular ladders or manually traversing the different hazards.
This exacerbates the risk of trip hazards causing injuries on site and also increases the risk of workers being forced out of action by injury.
Adding a stepover access platform creates a walking route over and around machinery and obstacles, ensuring long-term safety. The comprehensive design and high-quality structure mean that these solutions stand the test of time.
Improving Efficiency in Industrial Workplaces
We don’t need to tell you how important good health and safety are for keeping your workforce optimised and fit for work.
But what are the other efficiency benefits of stepover access platforms?
By creating walkable and safe routes across sites, these platforms make tasks and movement around the workplace quicker and more direct – as well as safer. This saves workers’ time and makes them more efficient, while also making the site or workplace a more practical space to navigate.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Stepover Access Platform
The main things you need to look at when sourcing a stepover platform for your workplace are the height, the material options, and whether you need a custom solution or something direct from the market.
Custom solutions tend to be required when traversing or navigating a particularly tall or wide obstacle while knowing the height limits of stepover access platforms ensures that you source the right solution. If a stepover access platform isn’t the right option for your workplace, at Franklin Hodge we also supply up-and-over platforms for taller and more challenging obstacles, as well as single-flight and multi-flight stairways.
Our team is well-versed in the practical applications and benefits of each solution and can discuss the best options for your site based on your needs and requirements. Get in touch to find out more or to start a new enquiry.
