Metropolitan Express has launched a new trailer concept incorporating a Fall Prevention Safety System (FPSS).
Philip Lovel AM, Victorian Transport Association chief executive and chairman of the Transport Industry Safety Group, said: “In an environment where safety is number one, this is a very exciting development; it is now the state of knowledge in the industry and customers will expect this concept to spread through the freight and logistics industry.”
The FPSS provides a tarping solution for flat-top rigid and semi-trailers that does away with the need to supply safety platforms, harnesses or loading docks as required by OH&S legislation. The inbuilt safety barrier encloses the entire work area, so there is no risk of falls when adjusting material or equipment. The flexible roofing system allows for overhead crane loading in addition to eliminating the need to tarp the load or access the roof.
Ross Pilkington, director of Manufacturing, Logistics & Agriculture at WorkSafe Victoria complimented all concerned for having the vision, commitment and awareness to build such an innovative trailer. He said: “Just this day, more than three workers had been killed in workplace accidents, and many more over the past two weeks.
“The launch of the trailer is very important to all concerned as it demonstrates that companies and management are working towards a much safer industry” Mr Pilkington said.
Ingilby Dickson, general manager supply chain & logistics at Bluescope Steel said he was happy to see that one of his transport providers had the initiative to bring many different safety features together in one trailer: “I am absolutely delighted with what has been achieved, it fits into BlueScope’s safety culture and would be widely recommended across BlueScope’s entire supply chain”.
Sam Pantou, director of Metropolitan Express provided a detailed account of how the trailer concept was developed: “Countless hours were put into thinking and debating all the loading/unloading issues.”
Mr Pantou said many Metropolitan Express drivers were consulted, the design and concept engineers at Vawdrey Trailers were fully involved.