Ontario Bollards’ Safety Month Spotlight: MPM Polymer Barriers

This past June was the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month founded in 1996 by the United States National Safety Council (NSC). The purpose of National Safety Month is to prevent injuries and deaths and creating a safe workplace. Workplace accidents have continued to climb with the United States seeing its highest number of serious and fatal workplace accidents since 2007 with 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019; according to the NSC. Therefore, observance of National Safety Month is more crucial than ever.

In an effort to shed light on effective workplace safety measures and prevent workplace injuries, Ontario Bollards is highlighting the MPM polymer barrier system – flexible industrial safety barriers that make work environments safe wherever there are vehicles, goods, or people. With the ultra-resilient REFLEX technology, polymer barriers from MPM are a much more effective alternative to traditional steel guardrails and can dramatically reduce the risk of workplace injury and damage to goods or equipment involving machinery and vehicles.

Why MPM?

MPM polymer barrier systems from Ontario Bollards are resilient, customizable, easy to install, and above all: designed to enhance the safety of factories and warehouses. MPM barriers are made with a proprietary shock-absorbing technology into an ultra-lightweight package, making them an ideal space-saving safety solution. Here are some of the key features of the MPM barrier system which make them a valuable asset in reducing workplace injury.

REFLEX technology

The proprietary REFLEX technology used in MPM barrier systems helps to redistribute energy across the entire length of the barrier–allowing the barrier to flex and return to its original shape. The technopolymer used in MPM barriers absorbs impact better than any steel, protecting machinery and vehicles, personnel, inventory, and the warehouse itself in the event of a collision. While steel may be rendered defective or harm an operator from even a slight bump from a vehicle, shock-absorbing MPM barriers bounce back time and time again. REFLEX tech means MPM barriers are always primed to protect. Click here to view our MPM impact tests and see REFLEX in action.

Compact, modular design

Different job sites may require different safety measures, and MPM barrier systems provide solutions for any locale. The length of each MPM barrier can be extended or shortened to offer ample coverage without sacrificing impact resistance, and the dense materials used to make each MPM barrier helps to shrink the barrier’s footprint. Taking up less space than other barrier solutions, the MPM barrier leaves more room for usable working space. MPM polymer barrier systems are also easily customizable, making them an ideal safety measure for nearly any job site.

A superior product for every need

Ontario Bollards’ wide array of MPM products ensures that there is an MPM polymer barrier system to meet the safety requirements of any site. From lightweight guardrails designed to protect people, machinery, and inventory to safety gates which clearly define safe pedestrian access and exit points, the full catalogue of superior MPM products is designed for long-term use. In addition to being scratch and corrosion resistant, the high-visibility surfaces of MPM barrier systems are easier to clean and longer lasting than steel.

Ontario Bollards’ commitment to safety

As North America’s exclusive provider of MPM polymer barrier systems, Ontario Bollards are experts on MPM products. The team at Ontario Bollards understands that optimal productivity begins with a safe work environment. Our commitment to improving workplace safety extends far beyond the confines of Safety Month, with our dedicated team operating around the clock to provide clients with the correct safety solution.

To schedule an MPM product consultation with the team at Ontario Bollards and improve the safety of your site, dial us at 844-991-8559 or send a note to info@ontariobollards.com.

A New/Old Approach in Preventing Vehicle Theft

Summer in Canada brings longer days and warmer temperatures, it also brings with it an unwanted side-effect: record-high rates of vehicle theft. Reaching epidemic proportions in Canada with theft rates in Toronto nearly doubling since 2015, a vehicle is now stolen every six minutes according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

The Toronto Police Department reported 5,666 vehicle thefts in 2020, capping a five-year upward trend. TPS also reported that the majority of thefts occurred on weekdays, with a high concentration of thefts taking place between 7 pm and 10 pm. Commercial vehicle thefts saw a 0.3% increase according to these findings, while residential vehicle thefts were up a whopping 13.5%. Despite the daunting statistics, vehicle theft is preventable, and the team at Ontario Bollards has put together a list of tips to greatly reduce the risk of property loss.

Park defensively

The simplest defense against vehicle theft can sometimes be a careful parking job. A locked garage is always the safest place for a vehicle, but should one not be available then more strategic parking is a must. For starters, thieves are not too fond of the spotlight, so parking a vehicle in a well-lit area will help deter a theft. When parking two vehicles, it is wise to park in a way that ensures one vehicle is guarding the more valuable (and therefore more susceptible) vehicle. Dedicating a few minutes to ensuring a vehicle is parked strategically may be the difference between a safe vehicle and a stolen one.

High-tech, lower risk

As thieves get more cunning, a high-tech approach to vehicle defense becomes more necessary. Simple tools like a steering-wheel lock prevent theft by making a vehicle impossible to steer should a successful break-in take place. Immobilizers are a tool that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present. This prevents the vehicle from being “hot wired” and reduces vehicular theft. While these less complex measures are effective, vehicle owners should also install GPS trackers on vehicles and store key-fobs in signal-blocking pouches (Faraday bag or cage) to guard them against hacking. Clearly visible security cameras pointed directly at the vehicle(s) can also deter potential thieves, or at very least provide documentation should a successful theft occur.

Think like a thief!

To prevent theft, vehicle owners should begin thinking like a thief. A quick trip into a coffee shop or running back into the house to grab a wallet (or a mask) with an unlocked or even running car may seem harmless, but it could present a golden opportunity for a thief to strike. Valuables should be removed or hidden, and vehicles should be locked whenever a vehicle is left unattended, no matter how brief. While Canadians would all like to put their faith in others, with theft rates at a record high it is not worth the risk.

Learn from the professionals!

Although residential vehicular theft in 2020 was up 13.5% over the previous year, commercial thefts remained largely unchanged. The defining factor? Bollards. Bollards have been used for decades to protect tractors and other heavy machinery, and car dealerships count on them to protect vehicles from theft while also offering access to inventory when needed. In addition to preventing theft, bollards are cost-effective and are a safety barrier that prevent vehicles from causing accidental or intentional damage to property—making them a valuable asset to car dealerships. With Canadian vehicular theft at an all-time high, however, more and more individuals are now relying on bollards for private residences as well.

Guard vehicles with Ontario Bollards

Immobilizers, alarms, and high-tech security systems are a strong defense, remember that bollards are the ultimate protective measure. With over 35 years of industry experience, Ontario Bollards is Canada’s premiere resource for asset security solutions. Sleek, stainless steel removable and retractable bollards from Ontario Bollards provide unbeatable protection while offering convenient access to vehicles when needed. With thefts reaching a fever pitch, vehicle security is more crucial than ever. Fortunately, even the most brazen of thieves are deterred by Ontario Bollards. “Car dealerships have been using them forever,” said president of Ontario Bollards Danny Zanchi. “They’re commonplace in Europe and they are becoming more popular here.”

Furthermore, Ontario Bollards can install retractable bollards in residential driveways to prevent car theft. Here is the story of one of our clients, who had a vehicle stolen, so they hired Ontario Bollards to install a set of retractable bollards to prevent any possibility of future theft:

The installed retractable bollards on the driveway

“I recently woke up to discover that my wife’s car had been stolen right out of our home driveway. Needless to say it’s a gut wrenching experience; that leaves you feeling violated and exposed at your own home.

I decided to look into the idea of residential Retractable Bollards and after making a few calls to educate myself on the cost and details of installing these bollards…

Eventually I called Ontario Bollards and got on a call immediately with a young man named Nate. I must tell you that I was SO impressed with the customer service side of your company (Nate is absolutely terrific).

The workmanship was EXCELLENT!!  No mess!  No fuss!  Just excellent execution on all counts!

The installed retractable bollards. Retracted (left)/In Use (right)

I’m really so impressed with your company and your team; and I just wanted to let you know that I would be happy to be a reference anytime you might have a new client that wants to hear how MY experience went.

I would highly recommend Ontario Bollards to anyone that is looking to find a way to secure your home driveway from auto theft.”

 -Darrin Jones, Ontario Bollards Customer

Do not be another statistic. Being proactive rather than reactive in regard to vehicular theft can save heaps of headache (and heartache) in the long-run, and a bollard solution from Ontario Bollards is the most effective way to guard against vehicular theft. For more information on how Ontario Bollards can help keep your vehicles safe, dial us at 844-891-8559 or send an inquiry to info@ontariobollards.com and our team of our experts will be glad to help.