Beyond the Barrier: How Compass Protection Keeps Worksites Safe from Vehicle Impact

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Beyond the Barrier: How Compass Protection Keeps Worksites Safe from Vehicle Impact

Published: 1 October 2025

Worksites can be unpredictable environments, especially when heavy vehicles, machinery, and personnel are working side by side. A single lapse in safety planning can lead to serious accidents — from vehicle collisions to costly damage to site infrastructure. That’s where Compass Protection steps in. By designing, supplying, and installing Armco and crash barrier systems, we create controlled, impact-resistant environments that keep workers, visitors, and assets safe.

Our approach goes far beyond standard installation. We focus on strategic placement, compliance with UK safety standards, and site-specific engineering to ensure every barrier performs exactly as it should — when it matters most.


Understanding the Risk: Why Vehicle Barriers Are Essential

On busy construction and industrial sites, the movement of HGVs, forklifts, and other vehicles presents one of the greatest ongoing risks. A moment of misjudgement or loss of control can result in serious injury or property damage.

Armco crash barriers — originally developed for highways — have proven to be one of the most effective solutions for controlling impact forces. When installed around loading bays, storage zones, car parks, and pedestrian routes, they act as a physical buffer between people and vehicles, significantly reducing the severity of potential collisions.

At Compass Protection, we recognise that no two sites are the same. That’s why every system we install is custom-designed to suit the site layout, vehicle type, and operational hazards, ensuring reliable, long-term protection.


How Armco and Crash Barriers Work

The strength of an Armco system lies in its clever design. Each barrier uses a corrugated steel beam mounted on heavy-duty posts, capable of absorbing and redistributing the energy of an impact. When a vehicle collides with the barrier, the flexible profile deflects slightly, dissipating the force and preventing the vehicle from breaching the protected area.

Unlike concrete or rigid alternatives, Armco barriers don’t simply stop a vehicle — they control the impact, keeping occupants safer and minimising secondary damage.

Compass Protection uses only certified, high-grade steel barriers that meet or exceed BS EN 1317 standards for vehicle restraint systems. This ensures performance, durability, and compliance on every installation.


Protecting People, Property, and Productivity

Safety barriers are more than just a compliance measure — they’re a smart business investment. Preventing a single vehicle incident can save thousands in repair costs, insurance claims, and lost productivity.

Our barriers protect:

  • Pedestrian walkways – keeping workers safe in shared access areas.
  • Equipment and assets – safeguarding plant, vehicles, and infrastructure.
  • Buildings and utilities – preventing costly damage to structures and services.
  • Perimeters and access points – controlling site boundaries and entry routes.

By integrating Armco barriers into your site’s safety plan, you create a clear separation between high- and low-risk zones, promoting safer working behaviour across the board.


Professional Installation for Maximum Safety

Even the best safety systems can fail if they’re not properly installed. That’s why Compass Protection’s engineers follow a rigorous installation process, including site assessment, ground anchoring, and load testing.

We ensure:

  • Correct post spacing and depth for optimal strength.
  • Proper alignment and curvature to deflect impacts safely.
  • Use of end terminals and corner sections for complete coverage.
  • Integration with existing bollards, gates, and pedestrian barriers for cohesive protection.

Our team also provides ongoing maintenance and repair services, helping clients maintain compliance and ensure continued safety performance.


Site-Specific Solutions: Tailored to Every Environment

Compass Protection provides barrier systems for a range of sectors, including:

  • Construction and civil engineering
  • Warehousing and logistics
  • Manufacturing and industrial plants
  • Car parks and distribution centres
  • Public works and highways

Whether you need a permanent vehicle restraint system or temporary protection during active works, our experts will design a solution that matches your safety requirements, operational flow, and budget.


Beyond Installation: Supporting Long-Term Safety Compliance

UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines require employers to eliminate or control vehicle-related risks on sites. Regular inspection and maintenance of safety systems are essential to ensure compliance.

Compass Protection offers scheduled site audits, ensuring that every Armco barrier, post, and end section remains in top condition. We also advise on upgrades and modifications as site conditions evolve — ensuring your protection system continues to deliver maximum performance.


Why Choose Compass Protection?

With years of experience and a commitment to quality, Compass Protection has become a trusted name in site safety engineering. Our reputation is built on:

  • Accurate site assessments and custom design plans.
  • High-quality, UK-manufactured Armco systems.
  • Expert installation by qualified professionals.
  • Full compliance with HSE and British Standards.
  • Long-term maintenance and aftercare support.

When safety is non-negotiable, Compass Protection delivers peace of mind through precision, reliability, and care.


Conclusion: Building Safer Worksites with Confidence

Every project deserves a safety solution that protects its people and assets from the unexpected. With the right combination of engineering expertise and high-quality materials, Compass Protection ensures your worksite is equipped to handle the challenges of modern construction and logistics safely.

From consultation to installation and ongoing maintenance, our goal is simple — to help you build with confidence, knowing your site is protected.

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