Originally, a bollard was a post installed into the shore alongside a wharf to allow sailors to tie up boats and ships. The word is still used in this respect, but because ships of today tend to be much larger and made of heavier materials than the ships of the past, the bollards have to be much sturdier and stronger.
Does OSHA Require Safety Bollards?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created in 1970 by an act of Congress. Its mission is to set and enforce safety standards to ensure working conditions that are safe and healthful for employees and to minimize hazards that employees could be exposed to in the workplace. Sometimes, this requires the installation of security equipment, such as safety bollards.
How Security Bollards Can Help Keep Eyes on the Street in Pedestrian Areas
Journalist Jane Jacobs developed the concept of “eyes on the street” as it relates to public safety over 50 years ago. The theory holds that pedestrians tend to feel safe in public places that attract a lot of people because the crowds perform informal surveillance of the area and can draw attention to any potential threats. According to the theory, to draw the necessary numbers of pedestrians to keep “eyes on the street,” the public space and the area around it must be accessible and attractive.
The Art of Separation
Ensuring public safety should always be the driving force of security. Protecting both people and property from an attack can take more than rudimentary safeguards like fencing and traffic barriers. Mass demonstrations such as protests can put security teams at odds with these goals, but when intensive measures are taken, the response can project a tone of intimidation instead of protection. With the right tools and excellent preparation, any location can be ready to both safeguard people and property while also maintaining an air of professional authority.
Handling Closings and Restrictions Through the COVID-19 Crisis
As the pandemic continues to wash over the country, state and federal parks and services are drowning in closures and occupancy restrictions. Unfortunately, citizens are looking for solace away from quarantine procedures in the majesty of nature. This puts undue strain on the National Park Service that wasn’t designed for long-term regulations to minimize exposure. Fortunately, there are many ways that location managers can mitigate the disruption in service with either temporary or permanent barrier systems. Using simple methods to upgrade security procedures can help facilitate easier transitions as these places are reopened to the public.
Security When Space Is at a Premium
Security teams and building designers have long had to deal with an important balancing act. Pedestrian safety is important, but oftentimes it comes at the cost of aesthetics. In addition, with the advent of social distancing, creating pathways for high foot traffic areas is an even greater challenge.