aide automotive: securing pallet trucks with Lee Lock
Among aide automotive’s product portfolio for the commercial vehicle sector is the Lee Lock, which is designed to lock a pallet truck in place at all times, reducing the chance of the truck slamming into other pallets and slashing the curtain side. As the pallet truck slots into the lock, the risk of back injuries from lifting is also reduced, says the firm.
“Lee Lock addresses a fairly widespread health and safety problem in a simple but ingenious way,” said aide automotive.
“As fleet managers are becoming increasingly concerned with the potential long-term costs of health and safety risks, the modest one-off price for the Lee Lock is an attractive solution.”
Lee Lock can be easily retrofitted to any trailer, says the company. The T Bar Lee Lock Handle is used to secure the pallet truck under the floor-mounted plates. Cited advantages include reduced repair costs and insurance claims on damaged goods, as well as reducing the chances of work-related injuries and resulting driver absences.
“An insecure pallet truck is classed as an insecure load,” said Jason Dearsley of the Essex Police Commercial Vehicle Unit, which is responsible for enforcing compliance with HGV load security requirements across the county.
“I’ve sadly had to prosecute a few drivers and companies who still favour a rubber boot or an old tyre as a means of attempting to secure pallets. An insecure load means a mandatory referral to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, so it’s a big issue.”
He added: “I am supportive of any innovative device that reduces road death. This is one of many products that are available to responsible hauliers and companies, and mitigates this particular risk in a straightforward way.”
