Jan 2008 - A Head for Heights !

Over the last few months Hallett Silbermann has been working closely with key customers to tackle the dangers of working at height and is one of the first hauliers in the country to have adopted an approved and safe operating system to deal with this issue.

All our rigid and articulated flat vehicles, including lorry loaders, operating within the South East are being fitted with a “side rail” system to protect operatives on the vehicle platform. The HSE guidelines for working at height prioritise action to i) avoid working at height if possible, ii) take safety measures to prevent falls, and iii) implement measures to minimise the consequences of a fall.

By working closely with our customers we have been able to reduce the need to work at height with some types of loads by the introduction of permanently fitted lifting tackle. These ‘pre-slung’ loads can be lifted by one of our many lorry loaders without the need for the operator to climb onto the vehicle. Where this is impractical, the “side rail” system is quickly and simply erected from ground level in order to protect against a possible fall from the vehicle platform.

Another safety feature operated by Hallett Silbermann is the use of radio remote controlled lorry loader cranes which allow the operator to stand away from the vehicle in a safe operating zone and also provides greater control of the equipment being lifted. This is illustrated in the photograph of a 9 ton fork lift truck being uploaded for use at an industrial factory closure contract.

If you really care about the dangers to operatives and site staff when loading and unloading heavy equipment and when working at height we suggest you should use Hallett Silbermann.

<<back