The importance of using storage bollards

A lot of physically demanding work is done in the construction industry. Over time, this physical strain can have adverse effects on workers’ health and employability. Research shows that the use of storage trestles offers great benefits, both financially and ergonomically. In this blog, you will read why investing in healthy employees is also investing in sustainable employability. We look at sheet metal work and how storage trestles make a difference in this.

Working with sheet material

Working with sheet metal demands a lot from the body: lifting, tilting and moving require great effort. Especially when these actions occur repeatedly, workers can become physically overloaded. This not only leads to health problems, but can also negatively affect the efficiency and quality of work.

After delivery, sheet materials are often laid flat on the ground or placed against a wall. Both picking sheets off the delivered pallet and laying them down after vertical transport is physically demanding work. Because this is often done daily, it involves structural strain. In the process, the sheets must regularly be picked up low to the ground and placed in a vertical position. (Gypsum) boards weigh an average of 20 to 45 kg each, so the risk of overloading is high. Marking off and cutting horizontal sheets also creates an unfavorable working posture. In addition, horizontal sheets take up much more space than vertical storage, especially in smaller spaces.

The advantages of storage bollards

The use of storage trestles makes the work lighter, more efficient and safer. From the moment of delivery, the slabs can be placed on transport carts and easily driven to the appropriate area. By placing the storage trestles directly in the correct area, the plates can be easily transferred from the cart to the trestles, and because they take up minimal space, it is easy to work around the trestles. This allows mechanics to process the plates directly within that space without additional lifting or moving. Sheets can also be easily marked off and cut.

At De Plaatmaat it is also possible to provide loading instructions by means of an A4 frame that can be inserted into the top of the trestles. This makes it easy for the transport team to make clear what type and numbers of sheet materials are needed per room. It also places the sheet materials in the correct installation order, eliminating the need to stack them.

In practice, plates are sometimes placed against the wall. Although at first glance this seems a simple and cost-effective solution, it also has major disadvantages. For example, it takes more time than picking up and processing the sheets, they will have to be moved or stacked regularly, you will have to bend down and reach low more often, and you run the risk of damaging the sheets or even the wall.

Results from research

Research shows that the use of storage trestles brings great benefits. On the financial front, the use of trestles has been found to yield a 6% productivity gain for two employees. In addition, it was found that by using them, absenteeism costs are reduced, thus improving the health of your employees. Efficiency at work is improved and thus the payback period is minimal.

In addition to financial benefits, there are numerous other benefits that can be identified, such as increased job satisfaction among employees, the ability to work longer hours and a professional appearance for the company.

The development of De Plaatmaat

Although storage trestles represented a great advance, traditional wooden trestles proved to be deficient in several areas. They are hypersensitive to moisture and wear which can lead to dangerous situations. Resulting in property damage and personal injury. In terms of ergonomics, storage and transportation, the traditional trestle was also found to be severely underpowered.

In 2018, we decided this could be better. We developed De Plaatmaat: a plastic storage trestle that meets the highest standards of functionality, durability, safety, ergonomics and environmental friendliness. Our trestles are light, strong, practical, customizable, stackable and resistant to moisture. This makes them the ideal solution for the safe, ergonomic and efficient storage of sheet metal.

Want to know how De Plaatmaat can improve your construction project? Check out all the benefits here, contact us or request an instant quote.