What to keep in mind when relocating or lifting heavy loads?
According to a study in Sweden, physically demanding work such as repetitive or heavy lifting was associated with several unfavorable life-style factors. These factors included habits such as smoking and prevalence of overweight issues (Eleonor I Fransson, et el, ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORK AND LIFE-STYLE, 2014). Hence, it is important for industries such as construction to encourage regular exercises among their workers. Businesses can also use appropriate heavy lifting equipment such as hydraulic climbers for convenience.
Some may question the recommendation of regular exercise after continuous manual work. However, such exercises can help workers mentally relax and build muscles, which would decrease their workload in the long run. Businesses can also use hydraulic climbers for projects such as erecting or repairing steel tanks. Such equipment can be used for moving heavy loads horizontally or vertically as per requirement. The following is a list of few things to keep in mind when transferring heavy loads.
Safety
Workers safety should be a priority for businesses. Injuries to workers can costs businesses in various ways. These can include legal penalties and also time lost due to injuries to workers. Employees can be given protective gears. A checklist can also be made to make sure everyone uses the gear at work every day.
Equipment
Hydraulic climbers in various sizes can be purchased to lift and relocate heavy loads. Jacks are available in a wide variety including smaller jacks of 100 kN capacity and larger solid steel rod jacks of 12 – 400 ton capacity. Such equipment can especially be useful for applications such as flue pipes, formwork-structures, heavy-machinery and complete bridge sections.
Costs
Costs can be calculated in advance to understand the possible expenditure on equipment as opposed to manual lifting. Such calculations can also include possible risks of injury and subsequent delays and additional costs to the project.
Techniques
Construction companies can use hydraulic jacks for lifting and skidding technique for relocating heavy loads horizontally. Such technique uses low friction plastic and similar surfaces for relocating heavy loads. This technique can be used to transfer loads of 3000 to 6000 ton.
Legal Framework
Businesses should consider the legal framework that binds them when relying on workers for manual lifting. Risks of injury to workers can always be prevalent and rehabilitation of workers could cost companies additional revenues. Knowing legal guidelines and complying with them can save a company from magnanimous legal troubles.
Companies would also require a reliable heavy lifting equipment supplier to purchase equipment. One company which supplies heavy lifting equipment is Bygging-Uddemann.
“The above opinions are purely a reflection of the author’s point of view. They do not reflect the position of Bygging-Uddemann.”
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