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Pit Protect Installation for Vehicle Workshop Safety

See how Harcon eliminated workshop fall hazards with a custom Pit Protect installation - ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind in vehicle maintenance areas.

Case Study PDF

Project Overview

Harcon was engaged by a UK-based sustainability-focused organisation during a routine site survey aimed at reviewing an existing overhead cable system. During the visit, our Technical Sales Engineer identified a more pressing safety concern: an unprotected inspection pit in the client’s busy vehicle maintenance workshop.

Recognising the serious fall hazard this presented to workers and visitors, we proposed the installation of Pit Protect a robust and compliant solution designed specifically to mitigate the risks associated with open vehicle pits. The client quickly saw the value in the recommendation, and Harcon was instructed to proceed with design, manufacture, and installation.

Within days, the system was installed, delivering a permanent, low-maintenance safety upgrade that removed the risk of accidental falls while supporting the client’s broader commitment to operational safety and environmental responsibility.

Pit Protect - Harcon

The Challenge

Vehicle inspection pits are essential for fleet maintenance and mechanical servicing, but they can pose serious health and safety risks if left unprotected, especially in high-traffic areas. During our visit, Harcon engineers observed an open pit that lacked any physical barriers or fall protection measures.

The risks were clear:

  • High likelihood of accidental falls, especially during busy working hour
  • Increased liability for workplace injuries
  • Non-compliance with key health and safety regulations such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005

The challenge was to implement a compliant, permanent, and minimally disruptive solution that would eliminate the fall hazard without impeding the day-to-day operations of the vehicle workshop.

The Solution

Harcon recommended the installation of Pit Protect, a purpose-built fall protection system specifically designed to cover open inspection pits. Our solution is engineered to withstand industrial use while providing visible, physical protection across the full length of the pit.

Key features of the Pit Protect system include:

  • Heavy-duty steel construction for long-term durability
  • High-visibility finish to alert personnel to the hazard zone
  • Custom-fit configuration for each unique pit layout
  • Permanent installation for worry-free compliance and safety

After explaining the hazards and benefits to the client, we followed up with:

  • A basic survey to gather initial pit dimensions
  • A clear, itemised quotation
  • A detailed brochure outlining product specifications and benefits

The client approved the proposal and issued an instruction to proceed.

Implementation

Following the client’s instruction, Harcon returned to site to conduct a final detailed survey of the pit. This ensured that the Pit Protect system would be manufactured to precise measurements for optimal fit and performance.

Within a few days, our team:

  • Delivered the custom-manufactured Pit Protect units to site
  • Installed the system directly over the existing pit
  • Secured and tested the installation to ensure structural integrity and proper coverage
  • Verified all safety and compliance benchmarks had been met

The installation was completed quickly and efficiently, with no disruption to the client’s ongoing workshop operations.

The Outcome

The installation of Pit Protect delivered immediate and lasting benefits for the client, including:

  • Elimination of the fall hazard previously posed by the open pit
  • Peace of mind for workshop managers and HSE staff
  • Compliance with UK safety legislation, including the Work at Height Regulations
  • Permanent, maintenance-free protection that enhances overall site safety

What began as a visit for a separate task turned into an opportunity to proactively improve site safety a testament to Harcon’s value-added approach and commitment to thorough risk identification.

Conclusion

This project highlights how Harcon’s expert engineers go beyond the brief, identifying unseen hazards and delivering fully compliant fall protection systems that make a tangible difference in workplace safety.

The Pit Protect system is the ideal solution for any site operating with open vehicle inspection pits. Whether in transport depots, commercial garages, or maintenance workshops, Pit Protect offers a reliable, permanent way to prevent accidents and demonstrate a clear commitment to worker safety.

Ready to eliminate fall hazards in your facility? Contact Harcon today to learn more about Pit Protect or to arrange a no-obligation site assessment.

Harcon, Case Study, Pit Protect 1

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See how Harcon eliminated workshop fall hazards with a custom Pit Protect installation – ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind in vehicle maintenance areas.

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