Truck mounted cranes deliver a host of benefits for both the individual user and the owner company. Key benefits concerns health and safety in the workplace. Companies can avoid the risk of manual handling injuries with the right equipment at their disposal. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 470,000 work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the UK during 2021:
Manual handing is identified as a significant contributor to these figures, collated via the Labour Force Survey. To help companies make the best use of lifting and handling aids, this guide to truck mounted cranes explores the different models available, their applications, and the value they provide.
The majority of occupational ill health cases in the UK are avoidable. The preventative measures required to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries are cost-effective, especially when compared to the cost of supporting injuries within a workforce. The HSE reported that one UK company lost 373 working days as a result of manual handling injuries, totalling £24,000 in wages to absent workers. The initial introduction of manual handling equipment reduced lost days to 74 and wage costs to approximately £5000.
Truck mounted cranes go a long way to removing the risks associated with manual handling in a variety of industries. The road transport industry is, in particular, blighted by injuries resulting from slips, trips, and falls from height. Truck mounted cranes remove the need for manual handling. It’s not about workforce reduction, it’s about making processes safe. Providing staff with the right tool for the job – vehicle mounted lifting equipment – which is easy to use, safe, and highly effective.
With a comprehensive selection of truck mounted crane specifications on the market, there is a lifting solution for almost every conceivable handling challenge. In practice, this means all kinds of heavy, numerous, bulky, and awkward goods can be quickly and easily loaded and unloaded from a vehicle using simple straps and a vehicle mounted crane. As a result, workers can safely complete a higher volume of collections and deliveries.
It is widely accepted that job satisfaction improves productivity. Having the right tools for the job ensures workers feel safe and able to work efficiently. Investing in equipment to improve safety and productivity is attributed to healthier staff retention and attracting highly skilled staff.
There are many facets to cost reduction as a result of introducing lifting and handling aids. Increased output and reduced downtime we have explored, but there is also the factor of customer satisfaction. Most people will avoid doing business with a company harbouring poor occupational health and poor staff retention records. Many forward-thinking business leaders will choose a supplier with similar values. For instance, if the Operations Director of a client business witnesses your delivery driver struggling to unload heavy goods by hand, they are likely to question their choice of supplier.
Company vehicles out on the road are an element of branding, representing the company. Today’s workforce overall, has a much greater awareness of health and safety issues and how to protect themselves from occupational injury. Any company seen to be providing their staff with quality, safety-boosting equipment will be perceived in a positive light. Conversely, any company seen to be putting staff at risk of injury are likely to be publicly exposed. Customers will vote with their feet. Customer retention will decrease, and acquisition costs will increase
The positive results of providing staff with vehicle mounted lifting equipment could be a good news story:
✓ Fewer occupational health issues
✓ Greater process efficiency improves output
✓ Worker satisfaction improves productivity
✓ Greater customer retention
Truck mounted crane specifications are seemingly as numerous as the goods they lift. Cranes come in a variety of configurations to suit different applications. Some truck mounted crane manufacturers will also offer a bespoke design service to meet unique lifting requirements. When it comes to sourcing the right lifting equipment for the job, there are several elements to consider:
Vehicle mounted cranes come in two distinct models: electric swing lift cranes and hydraulic cranes. Electric swing lift cranes are a lightweight and compact handling solution with a low self-weight. Self-weight refers to how much the crane itself weighs and must be considered in relation to the maximum loading weight for your vehicle. Hydraulic vehicle mounted cranes tend to be used for the heaviest handling applications. The maximum lifting capacity reduces as the boom extends which is another factor to consider when sourcing vehicle mounted lifting equipment.
Even though most truck mounted cranes are user-friendly and easy to operate, cranes sometimes need a helping hand too. For instance: you’re on a job in central London and your crane gets stuck with 200kg mid-lift. You call your supplier to try and solve the problem over the phone. Unfortunately, an over the phone fix isn’t successful. Thankfully, your supplier has a fantastic team of field engineers, and one arrives within two hours to rectify the issue.
This is a real-life example of how lifting equipment needs to be supported throughout its working life. There are also legal obligations to be aware of for businesses using equipment in the workplace and maintaining lifting equipment.
Explore the Penny Hydraulics range of vehicle mounted lifting equipment:
