Working conditions in warehouses have improved considerably in recent years, with advances in lifting equipment making for safer materials handling and aerial platforms and scissor lifts transforming working at height.

However incorrect manual handling remains one of the commonest causes of workplace injuries, with problems incurred through frequent and heavy lifting and handling accounting for over a third of all cases. Lifting and handling aids help remove or reduce the risk and keep workers healthy and at work. Handling everything from a heavy sack to the contents of shipping containers, Sweden’s TAWI bridges the gap between manual handling and mechanisation with a range of lighter lifting equipment that achieves weightless lifting for a relatively small investment.

TAWI’s products provide safe, reliable and efficient alternatives to manual lifting, loading and unloading, and are designed to save workers’ knees, backs and shoulders from injuries and long-term problems caused by repetitive manual handling. TAWI’s range includes hoists, crane systems, mobile lifters, mobile order pickers and vacuum grippers. TAWI’s systems can handle any type of lifting from picking and packing to palletising and depalletizing. The main end users are logistics, food, pharma and building materials, with increasing demand from automotive and manufacturing.

Another leading crane maker, Demag KBK was established in 1819 and a century later Demag cranes continue to set the standard for innovation and excellence in material handling. Demag also offer an easily installed device to attach DC chain hoists quickly, safely and securely for lifting loads of up to 1,250 kg. Inspired by a customer wanting to install a chain in a fixed position, the FS suspension can be attached to a girder quickly, easily and securely or bolted to steel structures or ceilings. Demag’s DC chain hoists are available with.

GEBHARDT European Conveyor Systems have been providing automated material handling solutions to UK retailers, manufacturers and logistics companies for over 25 years. Their Goods Lifts are designed to transport loads of up to 3,000 kg between floors and can be installed almost anywhere with little extra work, time or cost.

Another area that has seen a transformation over the years is aerial platforms and lifts. Back in 1969, JLG’s founder John L. Grove invented the first boom lift, started the company that became JLG and pioneered the access industry. Today JLG’s portfolio covers engine-powered boom lifts, electric and hybrid boom lifts, low level access platforms, vertical lifts and scissor lifts.

Finally, some breaking news for work platforms end users. In August, TVH bought UK-based Independent Parts & Service (IPS), dealers in replacement parts for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP). IPS, established in 2001 in Telford, mainly targets the UK and the deal will further strengthen TVH’s position here. TVH and IPS will continue to work as usual for the time being. Kevin Shadbolt, IPS’ MD and previous co-owner will continue to manage IPS and grow the MEWP parts range within TVH UK. We’ll keep you updated.

Charles Smith

Feature Writer

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