At SafeSmart, we pride ourselves on solving real-world challenges for our customers, and the development of our Free Standing Edge Protection is a perfect example. When a client needed edge protection for work on the abutments of a bridge, they faced a critical problem—drilling into the finished concrete was not an option due to concerns about damaging the structural integrity and aesthetics. That’s where we stepped in.

Working closely with the client, our team designed an innovative, freestanding edge protection system that met their needs without compromising the structure. Our solution features counterbalanced posts using individual steel weights, eliminating the need for any bolting or drilling. The underside of the foot is lined with ribbed rubber, which provides friction to prevent movement while maintaining the integrity of the concrete.

We engineered the system to be lightweight—each component weighs under 20kg to comply with manual handling regulations—allowing for quick, easy setup by any operative without the need for specialized scaffolding expertise. This approach dramatically reduced setup time compared to traditional scaffolding methods, providing a faster and safer solution.

Throughout the development process, we worked hand-in-hand with health and safety officers and scaffold foremen, testing prototypes and conducting product demonstrations. The result? A flexible, scalable system available in 1-metre and 2-metre panels, now permanently integrated into our product lineup. We’ve even enhanced the system with integrated locking gates for added safety and security.

The Adaptapanels have now become a standardized part of our edge protection solutions, empowering workers to operate safely and efficiently, even in the most challenging environments.