Warehouses are fast-paced environments, with forklifts moving, pallets stacked high and staff constantly on the go. With so much activity, one responsibility stands above everything else. It’s safety.

That’s where traffic control equipment comes in. Simple things like bright yellow bollards, safety barriers and smartly painted floor lines play a huge role in keeping warehouses safe. Not to mention organised and compliant with UK safety standards.

Read on as we discuss how traffic control helps make your warehouse safer and more efficient. 

Why traffic control matters in warehouses

We’re used to thinking of traffic control when it comes to roads, but it’s just as important in other environments. With all the chaos of a busy warehouse, one small mistake could cause serious damage or injury. 

Traffic control systems help with safety by:

• Keeping people and vehicles separate and safe from forklifts and delivery trucks. 
• Protecting infrastructure like doors, racks, shelves and machinery.
• Being very clear that everyone knows where to walk, drive and stop. 
• Helping you stay compliant by meeting Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards.

Bollards: the first line of defence

Bollards are everywhere. The solid, dependable posts that stand guard at entrances, around machinery or along pedestrian areas. They are one of the simplest and most effective forms of protection in any warehouse. 

What do bollards do?

A physical barrier, bollards stop vehicles from entering restricted areas or hitting structures. They can be made from steel, plastic or a flexible polymer. The reason they’re so effective is that they absorb impact and so protect against costly damage. 

In a warehouse, you’ll often find bollards:

• Protecting roller doors and loading bays – Particularly from reversing vehicles. 
• Looking after racks and shelving – Preventing forklifts from causing accidents.
• Creating a safe zone for pedestrians – Separating foot traffic and roadways. 

GTSE offers a range of effective bollards and drop down posts that are ideal for warehouse environments. They’re durable and very easy to install. Perfectly designed to handle the daily bumps and knocks of a busy environment.

Barriers: Keeping everything in its lane

While bollards protect areas that don’t move, barriers help manage movement. They help to divide areas, guide traffic and work to prevent accidents before they happen.

Barriers have many forms, but their main goal is to create a clear, physical boundary between people and vehicles. 

Why barriers matter

Barriers may look basic, but they’re essential for warehouse safety. 

• They prevent collisions by keeping forklifts on the right path.
• They protect pedestrians walking between zones.
• They define safe work areas like packing stations or goods-in zones.

Installing the right barriers can change your warehouse safety overnight. GTSE’s impact protection profiles are padded guards that protect corners, beams and pillars from bumps and scrapes. Using them with traffic control and parking aids will keep vehicles moving safely around your site.

Line marking: Simple but essential

Line marking is one of the most overlooked safety tools in a warehouse. A few bright stripes can make a world of difference to a warehouse floor. Consistent line marking is important for visibility, efficiency and helping people feel confident navigating the area. 

Examples include:

Pathways

Lines are simple and straightforward, showing where it’s safe for people to walk.

Loading zones

Using marked lines highlights exactly where goods should be dropped or picked up.

Vehicle routes

Warehouses need marked lines along safe paths to make sure that forklifts and pallet trucks stay in the right areas. 

Hazard zones 

Clearly marked lines highlight areas where caution and safety are needed.

You can find everything you need for professional, long-lasting markings with GTSE’s floor marking and repair range.

Signs: Supporting traffic control

Of course, no warehouse safety system is complete without signs. Signs tell workers where to go, what to do and especially what to avoid.

If you use signs like directional arrows or warning labels, they can support everything your bollards, barriers and line markings are doing.

GTSE has a wide range of safety and regulatory signs as well as warehouse and industrial signage that meets UK safety requirements. Whether you need to label exits, highlight PPE areas or warn people of forklift traffic, good signage ties your entire safety plan together.

Staying compliant with UK warehouse safety standards

As well as keeping people safe, proper traffic control also keeps your warehouse compliant with UK regulations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides clear guidance under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. 

This legislation says employers must make sure that:

• Both pedestrian and vehicle routes are clearly marked and in good working order.
• There’s a safe distance between vehicles and people.
• Structures are protected from the impact of any vehicle.
• Safety signs and signals are used where necessary.

Neglecting these standards can lead to a lot of bother. Compliance means preventing not just accidents and damage, you can also avoid fines and enforcement notices. 

Building a safer warehouse

Creating a safer warehouse doesn’t have to be complicated. Most improvements start with small changes. Fit a barrier here, repaint a walkway there or update an old sign. Over time, tweaking like this adds up to having a safer and more compliant workplace. 

Follow these few handy tips to stay compliant:

• Mark pathways and areas for vehicles with clear, long-lasting line marking.
• Protect your structures with bollards and impact protection.
• Separate people and vehicles using barriers and traffic control systems.
• Use clear signs to reinforce safety rules.
• Review markings and barriers regularly to make sure they’re still doing their job.

Stay safe and compliant 

Warehouse safety doesn’t have to be a problem. With the right traffic control equipment, you can protect your staff, products and property. All while you stay compliant with UK regulations.

Get started by exploring our full range of warehouse safety and traffic control products.