Jürgen Tietz

Red and white plastic ‘candy stripe’ tape is being widely used when doing maintenance work and excavations. The idea is to warn people of the danger, but in most cases, it is also used as a barricade. This provides a false sense of security as the tape is NOT a barricade.

To prevent people from falling into, or from reaching the exposed danger area, put up a rigid barricade, together with the candy stripe tape.

Do a “blitz” on your operations and locate areas where the tape is being used. Old, faded tape indicates a temporary, ‘under construction’ situation which has become permanent or been forgotten. Take along your digital camera and record both the good and the ugly.

Provide feedback at meetings and to individuals about the need for effective barricades.