If safeguarding is not possible, what must be used instead?

When safeguarding is not feasible to protect workers from hazards, maintaining distance is the most effective alternative. This approach involves creating a barrier between workers and the potential danger, thus minimizing the risk of injury or exposure to harmful situations. By ensuring that workers remain at a safe distance from hazards, the likelihood of accidents can be greatly reduced.

Distance acts as a physical safeguard by preventing close contact with machinery, falling objects, or hazardous environments. In contrast, while signage, lighting, and warning sounds can inform workers of dangers and help in awareness, they do not provide the same level of protection that staying away from the hazard does. These methods are often supplementary and work best in conjunction with appropriate distancing measures to ensure overall safety in the workplace.