Tom Price light vehicle maintainers Russell Carey and Gary Brown rose to an interesting challenge recently when asked to design and build a step ladder to aid their shorter work mates to reach under a vehicle hood to conduct pre-start checks.
“Using the adjustable step ladder in the workshop prevents maintainers from having to stretch out over the mudguard to access the bonnet,” said Russell.
Most people are at waist height when using the ladder, which makes it a lot easier to lift up and access the engine.
After designing and fabricating the step ladder with materials found on site, Russell and Gary decided the gadget would be helpful in their own jobs as light vehicle maintainers.
Devices such as this great step ladder help to reduce the risk of injuries and back conditions like spinal creep, which occur when you spend too long in one position.
If you have heard of similar innovations, which are helping to build safer and healthier manual handling procedures at Pilbara Iron, the Pilbara Health team would love to hear about it! Let us know by emailing health@riotinto.com.
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