As decision-makers who can make a difference, we have a duty to ensure the safety of all the people on our premises.
In spite of this, there are many dangerous goods hoists installed all across Africa. Why? Well, it is often slightly cheaper in the short term to buy a dangerous goods hoist. Another reason is that most decision-makers, unfortunately, aren’t actually aware that their goods hoists are dangerous.
Goods hoist injuries and deaths are almost always extremely gruesome and traumatic. I have personally observed the change in a person’s demeanour as they remember horrendous incidents from decades back. At an end of year company braai a few years ago, I recall the conversation briefly shifting onto this topic. All of the humour and relaxed, jovial conversation was immediately replaced by silence, tension, sickened expressions and far-away looks. The two guys refused to dwell on the topic, but considering that the one had investigated a horrible death under a goods hoist, and the blame game that followed, I completely understand their responses.
As decision-makers, we have a responsibility to protect other people. One of the ways to do this is to insist on safety gear in the spec for your goods hoist. What is safety gear? Essentially, suitably designed, installed and maintained safety gear prevents your goods hoist from ever falling if something goes wrong. The speed of the goods hoist with safety gear is monitored by an over-speed governor. If the goods hoist ever moves too fast e.g. after the hoist’s ropes somehow snap, then the over-speed governor triggers the safety gear. The safety gear then “grabs” the guide rail to prevent the goods hoist from falling, consequently protecting the goods hoist from damage, but far more importantly, protecting a user or maintenance technician from a horrible injury or worse.
If you would like further information about the importance of safety gear, please feel free to contact our engineers who are extremely motivated to assist. Nobody wants to be responsible for other human’s injuries or worse, our engineers would really love to help.
