Walker Fire Protection wins Industry Award for Innovation in Workplace Health and Safety
11th Nov 2011
Walker Fire Protection has received the 2011 NFIA OneSteel Fire Systems Award for Innovation in Workplace Health and Safety, for its Vehicle Loading Device.
Presented at the National Fire Industry Association’s 2011 Fire Ball, this award recognises Walker Fire Protection’s innovative solution to the safe lifting and loading of heavy screwing machines.
In the 10 years leading up to 2009, WorkSafe Victoria statistics reveal that over 4,700 claims were made per year in regards to muscular stress injuries while lifting, carrying or putting down objects. Walker Fire Protection’s Vehicle Loading Device is an electric crane that aims to significantly reduce the risk of back injury, sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries and spinal degradation that can occur through such manual handling activities. Developed with Dallas Needham of Metal Form Industries in Warragul, the crane is used in conjunction with a purpose designed lifting cradle and trolley to facilitate the safe loading and unloading of screwing machines from the vehicle.
A demonstration of the Vehicle Loading Device in action can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQnbx7WQfCI
Peter Picking, Walker Fire Protection General Manager, recognises the significance of this award and the opportunities provided by the Vehicle Equipment Crane to all individuals within the industry.
“Receiving the award has been a great honour and reflects our Company’s long-standing commitment to workplace safety”, he said. “In an industry with a very unfortunate record of back injury and general injuries associated with heavy lifting, this innovation has effectively removed a major workplace risk area. Additionally, the Vehicle Loading Device is helping reduce workplace fatigue, and reinforces our culture that prioritises safety in all elements of the Company’s operations. With widespread adoption of this concept, the initiative has the potential to continue reducing lifting-related injuries in the fire/construction industries as a whole.”