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RUGBY CEMENT LOGISTICS.
Page 51
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National fleet operator Rugby Cement Logistics takes a similarly serious view of health and safety and has risk assessed its own premises and customer sites too. "The topic heads up every meeting agenda," says general manager, logistics, Rick Sheehan, "and involves all staff. including management."
Within Rugby's 24-hour operation, night-time deliveries have increased from 4% to 17%, mostly in the South. Last year, its accident count dropped to 16 and two were tanker falls, one of them serious, hence Sheehan's ultimate aim for a zero tally. The rule now is that tank tops may be accessed only via site safety platforms and if a tank-top seal leaks the driver must return to a suitably equipped workshop for the repair.
For its next phase, Rugby has trialled Tanker Solutions' remotely-operated Auto Hatch and intends retrofitting its 180-strong tanker fleet with the system. Jointly developed to avoid drivers having to climb on the tank, the device's brake interlock activates before opening, allowing the vessel to be filled from above. Rugby Cement's ourtainsider drivers haven't been overlooked either. Rather than climbing up ladders, a new trailer generation will discharge automatically, so they'll work from ground level too. Sheehan argues strongly against men in harnesses climbing into trailers or on powder tanks, adding: 'We prefer to keep our people's feet on the ground; that way, they can't possibly fall from our equipment."