Safe handling from Speedy
20 April 2022
Speedy has introduced a purpose-built sack truck for its delivery fleet and service centres across the UK to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.
The hirer has developed the Alu-Truck, a lightweight aluminium sack truck, in partnership with BIL, its material handling equipment supplier. The unit has a round back to transport gas cylinders more easily, rounded handles for comfortable manoeuvring and an extra-large foldable base plate.
Having trialled the unit at its Reading and Gatwick service centres, the company is now rolling out over 800 of the sack trucks across its depot network.
Speedy has also developed an undercarriage kerb-side compartment with its truck builder, PPS. These are currently being installed in 445 of the hirer's delivery vehicles to house the Alu-Truck, giving drivers easy access to it.
Andy Johnson, HSSEQ director Speedy, said: “The nature of our business means that there is an inherent risk of manual handling related injuries, which we’re working hard to mitigate through staff training and by investing in tail lifts, ramps and winches to reduce the need to lift, pull or push equipment.”
He added, “The bespoke sack truck is designed specifically for routine delivery jobs that we carry out and to handle heavy items like trench rammers and plate compactors.”
● Speedy received the RoSPA gold award for the eighth year in a row last month for Occupational Health and Safety. It also recently won the Fleet News Excellence in Safety and Compliance Award, and was shortlisted in the Company Driver Safety Award category at the UK Fleet Champions Awards.
