A leading hirer of secure storage containers and portable site accommodation has taken the safety of its staff and customers to new heights after implementing a number of new safe lifting measures across the business.
Mobile Mini, which has fifteen branches across the UK, has introduced a series of new processes and bespoke staff training, alongside investment in its safety tools, as it hopes to inspire and share best practice throughout the industry.
Taking a strategic approach, the company wanted to build on its excellent safety record and with the focus on ‘safe lifting operations’, Mobile Mini has introduced safety measures and adopted approaches throughout the company for its staff working at height.
With a number of employees using ladders on a daily basis with significant potential for life-changing injuries, Mobile Mini has introduced stabilising devices for ladders to prevent them from moving. The team have also invested in telescopic mirrors and brushes for all vehicles, eliminating the use of ladders to access the bed of the vehicles while allowing drivers to ensure units are clear of debris before transport.
Mobile Mini Safety, Health, Environment and Quality director, Chris Watcham, said: “We have developed a number of measures to prevent the need for staff to work at height as much as we can and the feedback from the branch teams has been excellent so far.
“The business is already starting to see the benefits of continued safety improvements as team engagement levels are increasing which is juxtaposed with improved safety standards. The upgraded working at height measures are a further example of the organisation’s determination to improve safety via continuously improving our processes.”
Building on its staff development, the firm has introduced ‘safety stand-downs’ in which all employees take a break from their current activity and discuss safety issues, with full engagement across all levels and ideas shared and implemented. As a result of this, the team have also now introduced a skipper barrier system on the vehicles which will create clear segregation area between activity and pedestrians.
The focus on safety follows last years’ drive to increase operational efficiency and customer service, with Mobile Mini investing £1.4m in growing its fleet of Scania delivery trucks. The eight lorry-mounted loader crane vehicles took the fleet to a total of 60, the largest of its kind in the UK.
All trucks are fitted with a fully automated telematics system, monitoring driver styles and behaviours which not only improves safety but has contributed to a 10 per cent reduction in miles per gallon.
Through a continuous rollout of new safety efforts, the firm is improving the already industry-leading track record of vehicle incidents, protecting employees, customers and the public.
Chris continued: “Following the introduction of our new trucks last year, we wanted to build on our commitment to driving the company forward. Safety is one of our key values and having zero accidents or incidents is our ultimate goal.
“Specifically, we want to eliminate potential issues surrounding working at height as much as possible and through these additional measures, we have taken our focus on safety to the next level and aim to go from good to great.”
In 2019 Mobile Mini achieved a record seventh gold accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) for its growing fleet of HGV delivery vehicles, an industry first.
The voluntary accreditation scheme, which aims to drive up standards among commercial vehicle operators throughout the UK, requires fleet operators to demonstrate meaningful improvements in safety, environmental impact and efficiency in order to be awarded the gold level.
Already with an eye on future developments, the business has additionally made substantial commitment to ongoing investment in its trucking fleet which will be added to the fleet around Easter 2020.
