Case Studies
Preventing Fatalities & Injuries for Ports, Cold Stores, & Shipyards: A Tru-Gard Safety Insight.
In the busy, high-risk environments of ports, cold storage facilities, and shipyards, protecting people, products, and property is paramount. These dynamic workplaces come with inherent risks, from separating pedestrians and traffic to managing freight and safeguarding high-value assets. From unloading freight into cold storage to navigating bustling packing and handling facilities, hazards are everywhere. Customised Safety Solutions for Every Space Tru-Gard products are designed to meet the unique needs of each facility. From internal fit-outs to external safety, our solutions are configurable to suit any layout or hazard profile. Whether you need to separate pedestrian walkways from vehicle paths, protect racks of stock from forklift damage, create safer work zones for staff, or safeguard doors against truck damage, Tru-Gard products ensure every corner of your workplace is covered. Our Product Range: Built for Protecting Our versatile product range includes: Handrails and barriers: Essential for creating safe walkways for pedestrians, separating vehicles, and protecting property from damage. Door frame bollards: Protect entry points and commercial doors from impact damage. Cast-in and removable bollards: Offering flexible solutions for permanent or temporary installations. Mesh tunnels: Safeguard workers in high-risk zones while preventing damage from falling stock. Pallet protection: Safeguard pallet racks and stock. Personnel gates: Provide controlled access points for pedestrians. Every product is designed and manufactured in Dunedin, New Zealand, ensuring the quality and durability needed to withstand the harsh demands of these environments. Between 2012 and 2023, 18 deaths were reported among port workers in New Zealand, with an average of 1.8 fatalities per year.**Source NZ Herald, 20 Oct. 2023 Proven Expertise Across New Zealand & Australia Our team has worked on projects across the country, from the northernmost ports to the southern tip of New Zealand. Our experience spans diverse facilities, including temperature-sensitive cold stores, cruise ship passenger terminals, car parking, and busy docks. This breadth of expertise enables us to understand the specific challenges faced by New Zealand and Australian ports and deliver tailored solutions that work. Why Choose Tru-Gard? Risk reduction: Minimise the chances of damage to products and property, and most importantly, reduce the risk of accidents or loss of life. Operational efficiency: Streamline workflows by meeting safety requirements, reducing downtime from accidents, and avoiding costly repairs. Durable solutions: Products built to last in demanding environments, with finishes suitable for internal and external applications. Locally owned and operated: Proudly NZ-made, supporting local businesses that understand the unique challenges of the New Zealand and Australian environments. Real-World Impact: Safer Workplaces, Stronger Operations As published in the New Zealand Herald, between 2012 and 2023, 18 deaths were reported among port workers in New Zealand, with an average of 1.8 fatalities per year. With a stevedore fatality rate of 20 deaths per 100,000 workers, the second-highest fatality rate of any sector in New Zealand. Although no safety product can prevent every accident, Tru-Gard has a proven track record of helping businesses improve operations and mitigate risk. For instance: At Port Otago, our custom handrail and bollard system reduced risks by keeping cruise ship pedestrians separated from moving vehicles, preventing tourists from entering high-risk areas. In other ports, our solutions have minimised near-misses and accidents between forklifts and pedestrians in busy freight zones. At the San Won cold storage facility in Timaru, our barriers and personnel gates have provided clearly defined, safer pedestrian walkways, and ongoing protection against damage, saving the business time and repair costs. Let’s Make Your Workplace Safer If you’re looking to enhance safety in your port, cold store, packing facilities, or shipyard, Tru-Gard is here to help. Whether it’s a new-build project or assessing your current safety measures, contact our team today to learn how we can make your workplace safer. Read another Tru-Gard Safety Success Story Here
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Protecting Port Otago Pedestrians
Take one busy port terminal, combine it with thousands of port staff, seafaring workers, cruise ship passengers, and other visitors, and you have a recipe for a high-risk area. Port Otago’s shipyard is a constant hive of activity, with traffic flowing throughout the day, heavy machinery moving shipping containers, and plenty of people on foot. The risks to both people and property are significant. Clearly defined walkways can mean the difference between safely navigating the area and a serious incident. The Tru-Gard Solution: We partnered with the Port Otago management team to design and install a Tru-Gard Hand Rail system in their high-traffic pedestrian zones, including the port entranceway, office areas, and cruise ship terminal. Before the project, pedestrians struggled to identify safe pathways. Now, clearly marked spaces ensure that those on foot can navigate the area safely and confidently. It was essential for us to address the specific risks identified by Port Otago—whether for their staff or international visitors. The solution needed to provide unmistakable guidance for pedestrians, while also ensuring a clear separation from moving vehicles. Our Tru-Gard Hand Rail system met these requirements, creating a safer environment for everyone using the space. Designed for New Zealand’s unique conditions, our multi-purpose, heavy-duty system is built to withstand the wild, windy, salt-laden weather that can batter southern ports. The Tru-Gard Hand Rail is highly configurable, making it an ideal safety solution for diverse settings—from busy shipyards to sports grounds, factories to freight operations, and everything in between. If you’d like to learn more about how our products can make your workplace safer, contact us today.
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