7 Common Types of Safety Bollards and Their Uses

Date Posted:26 August 2025

Safety bollards are a key part of workplace safety systems, preventing vehicle collisions and protecting people. Explore the various types and how they’re used.

What Are Safety Bollards?

Safety bollards are short, sturdy posts designed to provide a protective barrier in high-risk areas. Often made of steel or heavy-duty plastic, they are installed in workplaces, warehouses, car parks, and loading zones to guard against accidental vehicle impact and clearly define pedestrian or hazard zones. Depending on their design, bollards can be fixed, removable, or retractable, and they come in various sizes, colours, and materials to suit different applications.

Beyond just acting as physical barriers, bollards play an important role in guiding traffic flow, marking restricted zones, and ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety (WHS) regulations. Whether used indoors near machinery or outdoors along a building’s perimeter, they are a practical and cost-effective solution for improving overall safety and organisation on site.

They are often integrated alongside other essential workplace safety equipment and supplies to create a comprehensive safety system.

Why Bollards Are Essential for Workplace Safety

Safety bollards serve as a critical safety measure in various workplace environments, helping to prevent costly and dangerous incidents.

One of their key functions is to prevent vehicle collisions with structures or pedestrians. In busy warehouse environments where forklifts and trolleys operate alongside foot traffic, bollards can absorb impact and minimise damage.

Bollards also help manage traffic flow. Strategically placed bollards can guide drivers, restrict access to sensitive areas, or delineate walkways for safer pedestrian movement. When used in combination with safety barriers and security bollards, they provide an extra layer of protection and access control.

They’re instrumental in reinforcing WHS compliance and hazard zoning. Brightly coloured or reflective bollards clearly indicate restricted or high-risk areas, helping staff remain aware and alert at all times.

Bollards are also highly versatile. Indoors, they can be installed around racking systems, machinery, or doorways to prevent damage. Outdoors, they are commonly used to protect perimeters, entrances, loading bays, or even electrical and fire systems from accidental vehicle impact.

By integrating bollards into your workplace layout, you're investing in long-term safety and operational efficiency. For holistic safety coverage, they should also be supported by visible workplace safety signage and information, especially in shared zones.

7 Common Types of Safety Bollards and Their Uses

1. Fixed Bollards

Fixed bollards are permanently installed into concrete surfaces and offer the highest level of protection. Ideal for high-impact areas like warehouse entries or loading docks, they prevent vehicle incursion and protect infrastructure and staff.

Our Range of Fixed Bollard

2. Plastic or Polymer Bollards

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, plastic bollards are ideal for indoor use or areas with low-speed vehicle movement. Often used for visual guidance or to section off pedestrian zones, they are affordable and easy to install.

Our Range of Plastic Bollards

T-Top Plastic Bollards

3. Removable Bollards

Removable bollards can be taken out or repositioned as needed, making them perfect for areas where flexible access is required. They’re suitable for controlling entry to delivery zones, event spaces, or restricted areas within facilities.

4. Surface-Mounted Bollards

These bollards are bolted to the floor rather than embedded, allowing for quicker installation. While they offer less impact resistance than fixed bollards, they are a popular choice for light-duty indoor applications such as protecting shelving or corners.

5. Flexible or Spring-Back Bollards

Flexible bollards bend on impact and return to their original position, reducing damage to both the bollard and vehicle. They're commonly used in car parks, loading bays, or areas where occasional contact with vehicles is expected.

6. Retractable (Telescopic) Bollards

Retractable bollards can be lowered into the ground when access is required and raised when security or restriction is needed. They’re ideal for multi-use areas like driveways, emergency access routes, or loading bays with occasional vehicle traffic.

7. Hazard Zone Bollards with Chains or Belts

These bollards come with connecting chains or retractable belts to cordon off hazardous zones or walkways. Suitable for temporary hazard management, they are commonly seen around machinery, spills, or maintenance areas.

These bollards are often part of a broader safety solution that includes PPE clothing and safety gear to ensure all employees remain protected from site-specific risks.

Choosing the Right Bollard for Your Workplace

Selecting the appropriate bollard depends on several key factors, each tailored to your operational environment.

First, consider the type of traffic in your workplace. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and delivery trucks all require bollards with different impact resistance. Heavier vehicles necessitate more robust bollards, often fixed steel or reinforced designs.

Second, assess whether the bollards will be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor bollards should be weather-resistant, while indoor installations may focus more on flexibility and visual cues.

Determine whether the bollard needs to be permanent or removable. For example, fixed bollards are great for long-term protection, whereas removable or retractable ones offer flexibility for multi-use spaces.

Lastly, always check for compliance with WHS regulations and impact ratings. Ensuring your bollards meet Australian safety standards will help reduce liability and increase peace of mind.

In environments where vehicle traffic overlaps with high foot traffic, consider integrating bollards with workplace first aid kits nearby to improve response readiness in the event of an incident.

By taking these factors into account, you'll be well-positioned to choose bollards that enhance both safety and efficiency in your workplace.

Get in Touch About Our Safety Bollards

Looking to improve safety and organisation in your facility? Our team offers expert advice on selecting and installing safety bollards suited to your needs. Whether you require fixed, removable, or flexible options, we have a wide range of bollards to support vehicle and pedestrian safety both indoors and outdoors.

Speak to us today to learn more about our high-quality safety bollards and explore our full range of material handling equipment. Reach us by:

Calling our toll-free number 1800 750 500
Emailing sales@verdex.com.au
Filling out our contact form

We’re here to help you find the right solutions that support a safer, more efficient workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all bollards designed to stop vehicles?

Not all bollards are impact-resistant. Some are primarily visual deterrents or used to indicate zones. Heavy-duty steel bollards can stop vehicles, while plastic or flexible ones are for guiding traffic or marking hazards.

Can safety bollards be used indoors?

Yes, many bollards are specifically designed for indoor use. These include surface-mounted, flexible, and plastic bollards to protect shelving, racking, doorways, and pedestrian areas from equipment like forklifts and trolleys.

What colours are recommended for safety bollards?

Highly visible colours like yellow, red, or orange are most commonly used. These colours alert drivers and pedestrians to hazards and improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions or busy environments.

What’s the difference between removable and retractable bollards?

Removable bollards are manually lifted out and stored elsewhere when not in use. Retractable bollards, on the other hand, retract into the ground, allowing quick access without needing removal or storage.

7 Common Types of Safety Bollards and Their Uses

What Are Safety Bollards?

Why Bollards Are Essential for Workplace Safety