Top 5 Warehouse Safety Barriers and Where to Use Them

Date Posted:27 August 2025

Warehouses are high-risk zones. Explore the 5 most effective safety barriers, their applications, and how they keep your operations safe, organised, and compliant.

Top 5 Types of Warehouse Safety Barriers and Their Applications

In a busy warehouse environment, safety is paramount. With heavy machinery, large volumes of goods, and constant movement, accidents can happen if adequate safety measures aren’t in place. One of the most effective ways to protect both people and assets is by safety barriers.

These barriers help delineate spaces, protect workers, and reduce the risk of collisions between machinery and personnel. But with so many options available, how do you know which type of barrier is best suited for your facility? Here are the top five types of warehouse safety barriers and their applications.

1. Heavy-Duty Steel Barriers

Applications

Heavy-duty steel barriers are among the most robust solutions for protecting workers and assets in high-traffic areas of the warehouse. These barriers are typically used around loading docks, walkways, and other areas where there’s frequent movement of forklifts, trolleys, and pallet jacks.

Benefits

High Impact Resistance: Made from durable steel, these barriers can withstand heavy impacts from machinery, ensuring that the structural integrity of the barrier and safety of the workers remain intact even during accidents.
Long-Term Durability: Steel barriers are designed to handle wear and tear, providing long-lasting protection in environments where frequent collisions occur.
Customisable Design: These barriers can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your warehouse, whether you need taller barriers for high-risk areas or smaller ones for light traffic zones.

Common Locations for Use

Around machinery and automated systems
In areas where forklifts and heavy-duty vehicles operate
To protect critical infrastructure like power units and hazardous materials storage areas

2. Plastic Safety Barriers

Applications

Plastic safety barriers are commonly used in areas where visibility is important, or where the risk of impact is lower than in high-traffic zones. These barriers are often used in pedestrian walkways, aisleways, and around lighter equipment or materials. Their flexibility and lighter weight make them an excellent choice for zones where mobility and visibility are key.

Benefits

Visibility: Plastic barriers come in bright colours, such as yellow and orange, making them highly visible and effective at alerting workers of potential hazards. Visibility can also be reinforced with workplace safety signage and information for maximum hazard awareness.
Lightweight: Easier to install and move, plastic barriers can be quickly relocated to accommodate changing warehouse layouts.
Corrosion-Resistant: Unlike steel, plastic doesn’t rust or corrode over time, making it a low-maintenance option for warehouses in humid environments.

Common Locations for Use

Around pedestrian walkways and passageways
To demarcate areas for forklift or machinery use
Near warehouse entrances to guide traffic and control access

3. Mesh Safety Barriers

Applications

Mesh safety barriers are often used in warehouses to prevent unauthorised access to restricted zones while still allowing visibility. These barriers are particularly useful for areas where visibility is important, such as around high-value inventory or hazardous zones. Their open design allows air flow and clear sightlines, reducing the feeling of confinement for workers.

Benefits

Enhanced Security: Mesh barriers are an excellent choice for controlling access to sensitive areas such as stockrooms, hazardous material storage, or high-security zones. They work well alongside PPE clothing and safety gear requirements to protect staff in restricted zones.
Visibility and Ventilation: The mesh design allows workers to see through the barrier, ensuring they can safely navigate the warehouse, while the open structure also promotes airflow.
Cost-Effective: Mesh barriers are often more affordable than solid steel alternatives, providing a balance of safety and budget-friendly pricing.

Common Locations for Use

Around high-value goods storage or hazardous materials
To create secure access points or restricted areas
In environments where airflow or visibility is a priority

4. Retractable Barriers

Applications

Retractable barriers are a flexible and space-saving solution for warehouses that need to manage changing work environments. These barriers are designed to be easily retracted or extended to create temporary boundaries in areas where permanent barriers aren’t needed. Retractable barriers are ideal for areas that need to be periodically accessed or where temporary demarcation of zones is required. Combined with workplace first aid kits, they help ensure temporary work zones are safe and prepared for emergencies.

Benefits

Flexibility: Retractable barriers can be extended or retracted as needed, making them perfect for temporary safety zones or areas that require frequent changes in layout.
Space-Saving: When not in use, retractable barriers can be neatly folded away, making them ideal for tight spaces or areas that need to be cleared for other purposes.
Durability and Safety: These barriers are built to last, with the flexibility to withstand the occasional bump or impact from machinery.

Common Locations for Use

Around temporary work zones or construction sites
To create temporary pedestrian walkways in high-traffic areas
In areas that require frequent access or modification, such as near maintenance zones

5. Bollard Safety Barriers

Applications

Bollard safety barriers are freestanding, vertical posts that are commonly used to protect sensitive areas or equipment. Bollards are widely used in warehouses to protect buildings, machinery, and loading docks from forklift collisions or vehicle impacts. These barriers are often placed in strategic locations where heavy traffic is expected.

Benefits

High Protection: Bollards are designed to absorb the impact from forklifts, trucks, and other heavy equipment, safeguarding both the surrounding structures and personnel.
Visibility: Available in bright colours and reflective finishes, bollards are easy to see, which reduces the likelihood of collisions.
Easy Installation: Bollards are typically simple to install and can be positioned exactly where they are needed most for maximum impact protection.

Common Locations for Use

Around loading docks and truck access points
To protect equipment or building structures from vehicle damage
In high-traffic zones where forklifts or other vehicles frequently operate

Why Warehouse Safety Barriers Are Essential

The importance of warehouse safety cannot be overstated. In addition to protecting employees from potential injuries, warehouse safety barriers help maintain a safe environment that ensures operational efficiency. Accidents, especially those involving moving machinery like forklifts, can be costly in terms of both human health and business operations. That’s why many businesses trust Verdex as their partner for safer, more efficient warehouse operations.

By installing the appropriate safety barriers, warehouse operators can reduce the likelihood of collisions, safeguard expensive machinery, and improve workflow efficiency. Strategically placed safety barriers and security bollards also support long-term compliance and protection of warehouse assets.

Warehouse safety barriers also help in complying with occupational health and safety regulations. By providing clear distinctions between different work zones and offering physical protection from moving equipment, these barriers support a safer, more organised workplace. When combined with other workplace safety equipment and supplies, barriers form part of a complete safety system that protects staff and ensures compliance.

Strengthen Warehouse Safety with the Right Barrier Solutions

Investing in the right warehouse safety barriers is essential to creating a safer, more efficient work environment. Whether you're looking for durable steel barriers to protect high-traffic zones or lightweight plastic barriers for better visibility, each type of barrier offers unique benefits that cater to different areas of your warehouse. By selecting the most appropriate barrier for your specific needs, you can ensure that your warehouse remains safe, well-organised, and compliant with safety regulations.

Get in Touch with Verdex

At Verdex, we provide a wide range of warehouse safety solutions—including safety barriers and security bollards, PPE, and compliant signage—tailored to Australian workplaces. Our team can help you select the right barriers to protect staff, equipment, and infrastructure.

Call us toll-free on 1800 750 500
Email us at sales@verdex.com.au
Or complete our online contact form

Top 5 Warehouse Safety Barriers and Where to Use Them