SAFETY without compromise - Safe work spaces at SWARCO

SWARCO is constantly setting new standards for road safety with its various road marking solutions. With many different measures, the SWARCO Road Marking Systems also emphasises safety at its production sites.

Road markings are an essential part of modern mobility - for motorists as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The lane markings provide orientation for all road users and thus increase safety on the roads. SWARCO Road Marking Systems also takes care of safety in the production of its marking materials, as a visit to various SWARCO sites demonstrates.

Three specific measures

In a survey last year, employees rated work safety as very good. Nevertheless, they suggested three key improvement measures: Firstly, practical first aid courses, secondly, ergonomic chairs for office staff and thirdly, improved communication between departments, "We focus on prevention with many of our measures and try to minimise risks. It is therefore important that our colleagues take part in our survey. They know best how and where occupational safety can be improved," emphasises Managing Director Corina Berekmeri, pointing out that the first points were already implemented in the first half of 2024.

The Romanian site was certified according to the OHSAS18001 standard in the area of occupational safety over 15 years ago, and the first certification according to ISO 45001/2018 took place in 2018. A look at the list of investments made in recent years shows that a lot is being done at the plant to make workplaces as safe as possible. Numerous - seemingly unspectacular, but very effective - improvements can also be found throughout the company, such as additional first aid kits for all workstations. Great importance is also attached to the employees' personal protective equipment, which is constantly updated so that work clothing, goggles, masks and ear defenders are always up to date.

Improvements in all areas - from the laboratory to packaging

A tour around the company brings to light the investments in safety in all areas: In the laboratory, employees work at new tables with modern equipment. The packaging team in production uses vacuum lifters to move a wide variety of packaging without straining their backs. The modernised equipment makes work easier and the workplaces safer.

Safety is particularly important in production, as flammable gases or vapours can also form during the production of paints and road markings. This is why the paint storage tanks are equipped with temperature sensors and explosion protection devices for the drums, which can weigh up to 300 kg. In the storage rooms, detection systems warn the staff if the worst case scenario occurs and solvent vapour limits are exceeded. In paint production, a semi-automatic cooling water system is used to lower the material temperature in the container during mixing. This reduces the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and at the same time guarantees the quality of the products.

Detecting hazards quickly

A monthly inspection with the occupational safety officer is on the programme in order to identify new sources of danger in the company as quickly as possible. If sources of danger are recognised, new measures are proposed and implemented immediately. For example, new safety markings were recently installed so that all entrances and escape routes are easily recognisable in an emergency. In briefings held twice a year, all important points are discussed again and any uncertainties are clarified.

"The measures for workplace safety are well received by the employees," Mario Nöllge is certain. "Nevertheless, it is important to address certain points and repeatedly draw attention to how safety in the company can be improved."

safety markings at all entrances and escape routes

A mix of digital and analogue

But not everything is done digitally! Anyone marching from the changing rooms or the office wing into the production hall is reminded clearly of the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) halfway along the route: A mannequin is set up and wears the personal protective equipment used in the factory, changing periodically. Additional information on the mannequin explains its use, how to wear it correctly and how to maintain it. In this way, employees are reminded on a daily basis to wear their PPE correctly.

The mannequin is also passed by during the regular inspections with external experts or during the safety tours. "These so-called ASI inspections are an integral part of our working methods. Team leaders from other areas accompany the respective team. This gives us different and often new perspectives on what is happening in other departments. During the inspection, we discuss relevant topics such as protective equipment, workplace lighting and workplace ergonomics. The measures resulting from the inspections are recorded in a software programme, assigned to a responsible person and the implementation is managed. Only after an inspection are the measures finalised by the safety officers," explains Birgit Köck.

Reminder of personal protective equipment

Working together on improving safety

The workforce has the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions for improvement at any time. A committee in which all relevant departments - from maintenance to management - are represented decides on the implementation of the proposed solutions. An important point throughout the entire process is the transparent presentation and information on the company's own communication platform. This allows all employees in the company to follow the improvement process. This is a great advantage when it comes to optimising process steps and making processes safer, as the employees on site know the processes best, as safety officer Paul Seisenbacher emphasises: "Together, we are making the workplace safer for everyone, step by step."

About SWARCO Road Marking Systems

Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.