Hyne Timber, the largest privately owned timber manufacturing company in Australia, faced safety hazards at its sales and distribution facilities due to the interaction of heavy vehicles, mobile plant, trucks, and pedestrians. Identified issues included unrestricted access, unsuitable driver safety zone locations, inadequate radio communications, and insufficient control over high-risk areas.
To address these concerns, Hyne Timber implemented new control measures. They standardized traffic management across all operations, separated mobile plant and work activities from personnel using marked walkways and fencing, and installed electric gates with auto-close mechanisms for better control of site entry.
To enhance safety and efficiency, a series of measures were implemented, including the installation of web interface cameras with digital recording in loading areas, separate pedestrian and vehicle access gates, comprehensive radio coverage for mobile plant and select personnel, and the segregation of car parking from loading and unloading activities. These changes resulted in more efficient movement of vehicles and people, leading to faster delivery and pick-up times, as well as improved stock layout, enhancing productivity and reducing loading and unloading durations.