In our last blog, we discussed how improving employees' awareness and knowledge of using equipment with essential training can ensure better health and safety when working at height. Reducing the risks of injuries, by having a competent individual to carry out tasks more efficiently and creating more value and saving time within your business with the current issues in recruiting staff with the essential skills needed for the job.

Choosing the right equipment

Before using a piece of equipment, you must ensure that it is the most suitable and stable tool for the task, does it help operators perform more productively, do they know how it works, whether it impact the duration of completing a task or are the conditions of the environment that could be a health and safety risk. These questions will help ensure that all jobs are planned more thoroughly, and risks are controlled.

• What is the cost of the job
• Does everyone know how to use the equipment
• Does the machine need any other attachments like guard rails or shelves
• Are the site conditions suitable
• Will the size of the equipment take up more space? Will it be worth buying two compacted machines rather than one large machine that could be more expensive and difficult to manoeuvre?
  
  

Alongside training to help employers understand the importance of selecting the right equipment and how to approach It, from MEWPs to steps and ladders. Managers must provide equipment that meets the requirements of PUWER, making sure it aims to meet the purpose for which it is used, is maintained in a safe condition, and is regularly inspected by employers with the essential skills and knowledge.

One of HLS products is the Hugo Lift, it is an ideal solution for helping increase employee retention and labour shortages, the key challenges which businesses are currently facing. The versatility of the Hugo lift can be used as an alternative to using ladders and remove the need for an extra person to help complete a job. Turning a two-man job to a one-man, allowing businesses to utilise their employee's skills in areas of production that most needs prioritising.

Another alternative to replacing traditional ladders is the HLS 360 step ladder. There are a variety of different types of equipment in the same category, so it is important to understand the pros and cons of each one to help you make an informed decision. The HLS 360 provides additional stability with its self-supporting structure and enclosed platform on three sides. Allowing employees to be more productive and work longer than 30 minutes.

Download the HLS Ladders Safety Toolkit

How selecting the right equipment can impact employees

• Employees feel more valued in being given the right equipment, so they can work more efficiently.
• Reduction in absences due to workers feeling less stressed with equipment that minimises struggles with multitasking.
• Having fewer people to operate a machine can make production move quicker and decrease downtime costs.

HLS equipment and advice

Our HLS team can help advise you on what equipment you will need for your team. We offer onsite surveys and risk assessments to determine the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Assessing the working environment, the task in hand, what training is required and your budget.

Download a copy of our Site Survey and Risk Assessment guide and template.

You can discover our range of equipment, from low-level access, to vertical mast lifts and steps, ladders, and towers. To benefit your business further you can be more flexible with your expenses by choosing one of our financial options, from hire, lease, and purchase. We also have available used equipment to save you money on brand-new equipment.