The connection between the correct maintenance of forklift trucks and improved operator safety is well established but there is still room for improvement when it comes to carrying out the necessary servicing and repairs.
That’s the view of SOMERSTOTALKARE, the UK’s leading supplier of heavy duty vehicle lifts and a company at the forefront of developing safer methods of raising forklifts for inspection and repair.
In recent years there have been a number of accidents resulting in injuries, and even deaths, involving forklifts that haven’t been jacked up correctly by an engineer carrying out repairs on the underside of a truck.
In one case in Scotland, a man was crushed when the truck he was working on fell on him and the Sheriff’s Court later found that it had not been properly supported with suitable blocks.
According to James Radford, Sales and Marketing Director at SOMERSTOTALKARE, the case illustrates the risks associated with promoting traditional methods of lifting forklifts that involve a jack and wooden blocks.
“In the vast majority of cases, when the operation is carried out properly, there is minimum risk,” he explained.
“However, when engineers are under pressure there is always the temptation to take short cuts or to have a quick look underneath the truck before supporting blocks have been put in place.
“The fact that blocks need to be used at all reflects the fact that using a jack is an inherently unstable method of lifting a vehicle.”
In recent years, SOMERSTOTALKARE has seen an increasing number of forklift operators looking for alternatives to the traditional ‘jack and block’ lifting method. In response it’s developed a new system that builds on 25 years experience in the heavy-duty vehicle lifts market.
Its unique forklifter system relies on a pair of electro-mechanical columns – similar to the ones more commonly used in sets of four or six to lift heavier vehicles such as lorries or buses and a bespoke adaptor.
It can lift weights of up to 4000kg per column and can easily be moved around a workshop and customers can specify cable-free versions to reduce the risk of trips and falls.
“As well as improving safety, the system also enables a more efficient working environment,” James continued. “It can be operated by just one person and there is no manual handling involved, which also brings significant health and safety benefits.
“The system also provides better all round access to the forklift when it is raised and working height can be adjusted at the touch of a button.”
SOMERSTOTALKARE
Tristan Johnston
Tel: 0121 585 2724
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