8 Reasons why Plywood isn’t up to your safety standards.

Ground protection mats offer a wide range of benefits and advantages, making them a versatile and reliable solution for various applications. An example of this is construction site access.

Traditional use of plywood for a site access and high traffic areas is unsafe. Everyday site managers all over the Australia make the mistake of using plywood on construction sites. Using plywood is like (insert metaphor) high quality ground protection mats is really the only solution for a site foreman that truly cares about the safety of their team.

Here are 8 reasons plywood is unsafe for your team!

1. Plywood absorbs water: Ground protection mats are typically made from materials that are water-resistant (polyethylene), preventing them from absorbing water. This characteristic ensures that the mats remain lightweight and effective even in wet or damp conditions.
2. Plywood gets heavier when wet: Unlike some traditional materials like wood, which can become heavier and more cumbersome when exposed to moisture resulting in rotting, ground protection mats maintain their original weight and performance, regardless of wet conditions.
3. Plywood loses strength over time: Ground protection mats are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They are manufactured using high-quality materials that retain their strength and structural integrity over time, even with frequent use. Unlike plywood which quickly loses layers as they get worn down.
4. Plywood warps when wet: Traditional wooden boards can warp or deform when exposed to moisture, but ground protection mats are constructed to remain dimensionally stable, regardless of wet or dry environments.
5. Plywood rots: One of the significant advantages of using ground protection mats is that they are not susceptible to rotting, as they are typically made from non-organic materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or composite materials.
6. Plywood isn’t consistent in their structure: Ground protection mats are engineered to have a consistent and uniform structure, ensuring stability and reliable performance across the entire surface area.
7. Plywood offers no traction: These mats often feature a treaded surface pattern that enhances traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls, even in muddy or slippery conditions.
8. Plywood can’t be connected: Ground protection mats are designed with interlocking mechanisms or integrated connection systems, allowing for quick and easy assembly. This feature ensures that the mats stay securely connected, providing a stable surface for vehicles, equipment, and pedestrians.

In summary, ground protection mats are a reliable and durable solution for various industries and applications. They offer numerous advantages over traditional materials, making them an ideal choice for environmentally sensitive areas, construction sites, outdoor events, and many other situations where temporary or permanent ground protection is needed.