Everyday Workplaces. Made Safer.
How PlaceMakers Frame & Truss Reduced a Trip Hazard Around a Gantry Crane
In busy manufacturing environments, even a small change in floor level can create a significant safety risk.
At the PlaceMakers Frame & Truss facility, workers regularly moved through a high-traffic area surrounding a gantry crane. A raised concrete nib formed part of the crane infrastructure, but it also created an ongoing trip hazard where staff required to walk throughout the day.
Like many workplaces, the challenge wasn't just identifying the hazard - it was finding a practical solution that improved safety without disrupting day-to-day operations.
The Challenge
The raised concrete nib created an uneven transition in a frequently used area.
Workers moving through the space needed to constantly step up and down around the raised section, increasing the risk of trips and missteps. As an operational area with regular foot traffic, any solution needed to be durable, safe, and suitable for an industrial environment.
At the same time, many team members spent long periods on their feet working around the gantry system. Any improvement that could also help reduce fatigue would add further value.
The Solution
After assessing the site, NZ Mats recommended MultiPro Comfort Tiles.
The tiles were installed around the concrete nib to raise the surrounding walking surface closer to the same level as the obstruction. This created a smoother transition through the area and significantly reduced the step height that workers needed to navigate.
Beyond addressing the trip hazard itself, the anti-fatigue properties of the tiles provided an additional benefit by helping support workers who spend long hours standing and walking on the hard concrete surface.
The Outcome
The result was a safer, more comfortable working environment that addressed two common manufacturing challenges at once:
- Reduced trip hazard risk around the gantry crane area
- Improved floor level transitions in a high-traffic workspace
- Added anti-fatigue support for workers on their feet throughout the day
- Durable solution suitable for a demanding industrial environment
Rather than treating the issue as simply a flooring product requirement, the project focused on solving the real workplace challenge: helping workers move safely and comfortably through the space.
Why Site Assessments Matter
Many slip, trip and fatigue hazards aren't obvious until they're viewed in the context of how people actually use a workspace.
What looks like a minor change in floor level can become a recurring risk when hundreds of worker movements occur every day.
That's why NZ Mats takes an assessment-first approach. By understanding the environment, workflow, and people using the space, we can recommend practical solutions that improve both safety and productivity. We're the complete floor safety partner - providing advice, supply, installation, and ongoing support to help keep Kiwi workers safe.
Need Help Identifying Floor Safety Risks?
If you're dealing with slip, trip, or fatigue challenges in a manufacturing or warehouse environment, talk to the team at NZ Mats.
Book a site assessment and we'll provide practical advice on the safest solution for your workplace.
Keeping Kiwis on their Feet.
