Action Handling were recently contacted by the NHS supply chain to solve a problem encountered by their warehouse operatives. On a daily basis, the warehouse team continually loads and unloads plastic containers onto and off of a high-level conveyor system. The main issue resulting from this task is a question of how the managers can maintain productivity whilst complying with H&S legislation and current lifting and handling regulations.

Steve Phillips, Sales Director of Action Handling, personally visited the site to assess the problem and after discussions with the warehouse team offered a solution based on their exact requirements. The bespoke equipment recommended by Action Handling is a raised work platform and ramp which would enable the operatives to handle the plastic containers at a comfortable working height. The ramp itself would also ensure a safe passage for the operatives to use, rather than conventional stair treads that have inevitable trip hazards.

The decking for both items would be aluminium anti-slip Durbar plate, which provides secure footing and lightweight material for use on a mezzanine floor. The entire unit was to be fitted with safety handrails and kick plates to ensure the safety of the operatives. The rear of the work platform also had critical sized ‘cut-outs’ to enable the unit to fit around existing trunking and cabling.

NHS supply chain initially ordered 1 unit, which was trialled, meeting very positive reviews. Following the success of this trial, a further 2 units have been ordered for the same site. These 2 units are to be fitted with a workbench unit in one corner to allow operatives to carry out various tasks.

The trial unit was manufactured and supplied within a 3 week time scale. The image shows the complete unit as it stands today, in fully-working position, in front of the high-level conveyor system.

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