I like to move it!

Safe handling of materials is essential in all activities and especially in construction . Absolutely,  the handling of flammable, poisonous, caustic and explosive materials contains the most severe risk outcome, however manual handling tasks by far make up the greatest amount of minor injuries.  Often these could have been avoided if a different approach to the task had been taken.

Thankfully, there are many equipment options that can assist with manual handling tasks such as moving materials around site. Keep reading for more about material handling and how you can stay safe when moving construction materials.

What is Material Handling?

Material handling is the process of moving, storing, protecting, and controlling materials.  This is usually only over short distances such as between buildings, when loading a transport vehicle, within a building (think warehouse) or on a construction site.

The Importance of Transporting Materials Safely

Unsafe transport of construction materials can lead to repeated minor injuries, significant injury and even death.  Evidence has shown that the construction industry has one of the highest reported statistics for serious injury and death. In direct response to this, construction site managers are always searching for ways to make the work environment safer for employees by eliminating or controlling risks.

One way that they achieve this is by ensuring their site workers are provided with purpose built equipment designed for moving materials.

How to Transport Materials Safely

If you work on a construction site, make sure you use the right equipment for the job. Depending on the material you are moving, you will most likely need different types of equipment.

Here are some examples of equipment that have been matched with material to be moved:

• Rubble, soil, wood chippings and other similar materials – a 4m Conveyor is great for this task and multiple units can be link together to cover a greater distance.
• Bricks and blocks – a Brick Elevator should be used if you want to transport bricks/blocks from ground level to an elevated position such as a second storey.
• Small volume construction materials – a Wheelbarrow is a great option if you only need to move a small amount of materials on site.
• Large volume materials – the Hi Tip Dumper will easily transport large and heavy volumes of material as it is a powered with rubber tracks.
• Loose soil, post hole digging & trenching – a Kanga Kid Mini Loader or a Kanga Mini Loader are in their element for tasks such as these.
• Excavation and trenching – a 1T excavator or a 7T excavator are purpose built for these tasks.

While this list is far from exhaustive, it is a good starting point for a conversation around doing things differently and with an increased focus on safety and injury prevention.  Not sure what other type equipment might be available for different materials handling tasks, don’t be shy at asking the guys who work the Hire Desk at Centenary Hire.  Tell them what you’re attempting to do and let them guide you through our equipment range. P. 3715 9700