Innovative technical solution which protects construction workers from falling out from scaffolds is aimed to introduce systemic solutions for securing the „weak point” of scaffolding, which can be a cause of falls from heights. Innovative and universal solution for improving safety at workplace can be implemented at every construction site where work at heights are performed. Based on number of the workers employed in the construction sector Mostostal Warszawa estimates that this innovative solution will permit to improve working conditions for approximately 207 000 people in Poland.

- Mostostal Warszawa has taken a series of comprehensive measures to eliminate risk factors. We are, among others, one of the signatories-fundators of the Association for Safety in the Construction – initiative of the biggest construction companies in Poland which fight together for enhancement of safety at work. Thanks to our actions carried out so far we have managed to make a difference in the area of safety. Nevertheless, there is much to be done to change totally conditions at Polish construction sites. Every year 6 000 people suffers from occupational accidents in the construction sector. According to the statistics, falls from heights dominate among the mortal accidents. In order to realize the key objective of our company, that is „zero” construction site accidents, we are developing a series of research projects and we are striving to introduce on the market innovative solutions aimed at improving occupational safety. The effect of that work is, for example, Project Innovative Barrier – said Andrzej Goławski, President of the Management Board Mostostal Warszawa.

The project which full name is „Lateral Securing of Circulation Paths in the Scaffold Systems” is an original development of Department of Research and Development and OHS Department in Mostostal Warszawa. The authors of the project offered two solutions: a protective barrier (two types) and a protective net. In case of the barrier, the key objective is to design anchores of the element to ensure the best possible safety of the workers. 

Type I – this solution consists in protecting worker at height of 1000 mm above the level of each step of the ladder in a safe zone extended by 150 mm, by fixing an inclined barrier so that it serves as protection against falling out not as a handrall.

Type II – a barrier fixed vertically. An alternative solution is a protective net of a particular parameters (length, height, mesh size, thickness of twine and net colour).

Based on number of workers employed in the construction sector[1] Mostostal Warszawa estimates that this solution can potentially be useful for 50% of workers working on or moving around the staffholds. Assuming that on every construction site it can secure 50% of workers, an improvement of working conditions can include approximately 207 000 people in Poland. At the moment Mostostal Warszawa is introducing the barriers at its construction sites. The next stage of the development of the project will be possibly an implementation of systemic solutions at construction sites of all members of the Associacion for Safety in the Construction.

The project has recently passed tests and received positive expertise conclusion of Institute of Mechanised Construction and Rock Mining. It also was awarded with The Gold Card of Safe Work Leader by Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute. 

This is not the only award for Mostostal Warszawa in recognition of efforts undertaken in using innovative solutions concerning occupational safety. In 2014 the company received award from Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in National Competition for Working Conditions Improvement for the innovative electroheat system for concrete developed by Department of Research and Development in cooperation with Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements. Technologically, it is the most advanced system on the market which can be implemented during works in low temperatures, with equipment under voltage, under reduced visibility and at heights as well.

[1] 414 000 employees in the first quarter of 2015 according to the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS)