KNAP Automation & Yellow Safety
Working together on safety
Despite the fact that KNAP Automation, based in Papendrecht, can rightfully call itself a national player in the field of pinch protection, owner Peter Matze and his team remain active in various areas when it comes to innovation and growth. Sitting still is therefore not an option for the 48-year-old, driven entrepreneur.
When we from BBN Magazine sit across from Peter in the newly occupied building in Papendrecht since mid-2024, the graduate engineer enthusiastically explains the importance of security in the modern workplace.
"Our current society increasingly demands product automation. To ensure this happens safely, applications are needed to ensure smooth interaction between humans and robots. Think of systems that detect when an operator comes too close to a machine's hazardous zones, or barriers and gates that "recognize" when danger threatens when closing. And, with the significant growth of AI and its capabilities, machines will play an increasingly important role."
Peter—judging by his work shoes—is still regularly active on the shop floor and speaks passionately about his field. Ever since he can remember, he's been fascinated by electrical engineering. Combining his interest with making workplaces safer gives him added satisfaction.
Yellow Safety
His new project is also related to better protection of workers.
At the end of last year, Peter co-acquired Yellow Safety. The concept, conceived in 2020 by Dordrecht resident Jeffrey de Goede, focuses on relieving businesses of their safety concerns. First aid supplies, fire extinguishers, and related safety equipment are often not readily available at fixed locations, or even not even present at all, at work sites. In an emergency, every second can be crucial.
"With our focus on making work environments safer, I saw enormous potential in Yellow Safety. It offers companies and organizations the opportunity to place a comprehensive and complete range of equipment in a centrally accessible location. Our SafetyCubes/mini-containers, featuring our recognizable green and yellow fluorescent logo, are portable and can therefore be placed anywhere on any construction site. I'm brimming with ideas, and together with Jeffrey, we're currently working on streamlining the product with the ultimate goal of launching it fully on the market soon. We already have orders with a major shipping company and the country's largest dredging company. We truly believe in the concept and the future of Yellow Safety.''
Innovatie
Peter has no shortage of new projects and ideas.
When the author of this article is given a final tour of the modern building on the Oosteind industrial estate in Papendrecht, several 3D printers catch his eye.
“We purchased these a few years ago for research and development purposes, and we have since managed to create unique applications for several customers.”
With a new building and company, a drive to innovate, and safety as a starting point, Peter and his team are the ideal sparring partner for all companies struggling with their safety issues in the field of automation.
Staat veiligheid op de agenda?
As an entrepreneur/manager, you're busy all day long trying to get things done. If there's a problem, the figurative fire is put out, and we quickly move on to the next challenge.
Of course, it is important to put out that fire, but even more important is to make sure it doesn't have to be put out again.
Unfortunately, that last point is often forgotten. Also, reviewing whether it was the best solution is often skipped—well, there's no time for that. Especially when it comes to safety, it's crucial to arrange everything properly. It's important that everyone has a safe work environment and returns home safely.
Unfortunately, it's getting busier and busier, and emergency services, for example, are also under immense pressure. Due to the heavy traffic, it's becoming increasingly difficult for emergency services to guarantee response times. Imagine a disaster or (industrial) accident: it's crucial to act quickly, even before the emergency services arrive.
We naturally want to create a safe workplace for our colleagues, and if something goes wrong, it's crucial that the right materials are readily available. This provides a sense of security for colleagues and visitors to the company, but it's also a duty of care for employers.
Here are some Yellow Safety tips:
1. Is BHV nu verplicht?
The answer is simple: YES.
Occupational Health and Safety (BHV) is mandatory for every employer; this is also stated in the Working Conditions Act:
“Every employer is obliged to take measures in the field of first aid.”
An employer must be well prepared for accidents, fire, and evacuation. Every employer has a general duty of care—this means they must ensure the safety and health of their employees.
Tip: Check whether there are enough first responders and whether the certificate is still valid.
2. Risico’s
Bij ieder bedrijf zijn er risico’s. Welke risico’s, dat komt naar voren uit je RIE (Risico Inventarisatie & Evaluatie). Hierin zijTip: Check whether there are enough first responders and whether the certificate is still valid.n de mogelijke risico’s in kaart gebracht. Aan de hand van deze risico’s kun je bepalen welke hulpmiddelen aanwezig moeten zijn.
Tip: Check your RIE and whether the necessary resources are available.
3. In een noodsituatie telt iedere seconde
Tip: Make sure the location of the resources is known to everyone and recognizable from a distance.
The equipment available must also be in good condition. You'd rather not use a dusty bottle of eyewash. And imagine someone suffering a cardiac arrest and the AED battery running out—that's valuable time lost.
Tip: Check annually (or more often if necessary) that everything is still working properly.
4. Het is er erg donker
Everyone can always find everything, but when the light suddenly goes out, things are quite different.
Tip: Make sure you have sufficient and working emergency lighting and check it annually.
5. Vluchtwegen
Escape routes must always be clear of obstacles. This helps you escape quickly in the event of an emergency and avoid tripping over items lying around. A tidy workplace also makes work more pleasant and prevents accidents.
Tip: Use the Lean 5S method (Sort, Arrange, Clean, Standardize, Maintain). This contributes to a tidy workplace.
6. Maak (on)veiligheid bespreekbaar
Everyone knows the proverb: “When the calf has drowned, the well is covered.”
It's important that safety (and danger) is a topic of discussion. That's the starting point for working more safely.
Tip: Make sure people can talk freely — if this is not the case, it can even lead to psychological problems.
7. Investeer in veiligheid
Om safety goed te regelen moet je investeren.
The downside of doing nothing is a greater risk of absenteeism, liability, and damage. A safe work environment also increases motivation and enhances the company's image: a true win-win situation.
Tip: Don't just look at the costs, but also at what it brings to your company.
8. Veiligheid wordt steeds belangrijker
For smaller organizations it is often a side issue, not a necessity.
Make sure that everything is properly arranged at the front.
Tip: Take a look at your organization's current status and how things are organized. Prevention is better than cure.
9. Veiligheid bouw je stap voor stap
Safety isn't something you achieve overnight; it's something you build up step by step. You'll naturally move up the safety ladder.
Tip: Can't see the forest for the trees? Then hire an expert. This will save time and ensure professionalism.
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Questions?
Ask us
- Yellow Safety® BV
- Buitendijks 11, 3356LX Papendrecht
- +31 (0)78-7856991
- sales@yellowsafety.com