Pull Curtains, Not Muscles! … And Save Thousands $$$$

If one of your workers injures themselves pulling a tautliner curtain today, what do you think it would cost the employer ?

If you answered $5000, you’re on the money … and you can multiply that by 5, in hidden costs.

Then there is the pain and cost to the injured workers and their families.

I’d like to introduce you to a Queensland invention that aims to keep workers safe and save that money.

The problem

Tautliners (or ‘curtain siders’) are a modern day tarping system for larger trucks. A tautliner doesn’t restrain a load - it just keeps it dry. However operators aren’t always aware of the dangers involved with opening and closing curtains, resulting in a range of injuries from poor handling of buckles, curtains and poles.

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The Risks

Injuries that may occur include:

  • finger/hand injuries from loosening the buckle
  • muscle strains to the back or shoulders/arms from pulling the curtain

The cost?

The cost of an av. strain/sprain injury (07/08) = $6,000 to $8,000 per claim (Q-Comp 07/08 Statistics Report)
The cost of a time lost injury in Transport & Storage (07/08) = $11,122 av. (Q-Comp 07/08 Statistics Report)
The cost of a tautliner curtain injury = $5,000 per claim (x by 5 for ‘hidden’ losses = $25,000)
The average cost of a common law claim in Qld (07/08) = $99,650 (Q-Comp 07/08 Statistics Report)

The Solution

At Fit For Life Consulting, our team of Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists have seen the damage truck drivers and freight handlers can do to their bodies by pulling tautliner curtains that are out of reach, sticking, worn or just heavy.

A lot of the problem revolves around how someone stands and the way they reach and pull - it’s easy to overstretch if you don’t get your position and movement right. Then there’s the problem with maintenance and damage to curtains.

But that’s where the Strong Arm Strap can help.

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This simple device uses a handle, strap and hook to enable workers to pull curtains open or shut with ease.

The strap hooks into the buckle (saving fingers and hands from possible injury) and allows workers to keep their arms close to their body as they pull, thus using their core strength and reducing the risk of over-stretching (saving back and shoulder/arm injuries).

Ergonomic design features include:

  • Stronger pulling position for arms
  • Force occurs below shoulder height
  • Strongest wrist posture
  • Elbows are held close to body
  • Handle design fits your hand for most powerful grip
  • Improves trunk/back postures when used correctly
  • Easy to keep close at hand, for use EVERY time

dsc_0102It’s simple, effective, and only costs $39.95 (inc GST) - a small investment to keep your employees fit and your bottom line profitable.

The Strong Arm Strap has been developed with the help of trucking industry experts and trialled by workers. They love it and we know you will to.

Here’s what transport workers are saying about the SAS:

  • Feels good to use
  • More power when pulling curtain
  • Feels stronger
  • Comfortable grip and arm/shoulder positions
  • Easier than using hands
  • Very effective when curtain is ‘dry’ or sticky
  • Reduces risk of injury

We’d love to show you (or “tell you more” if mailing etc) the Strong Arm Strap, demonstrate how it can help your business, and explain our current promotions offering discounts for bulk buys.

Please call our team on 07 3630 4940 to find out more or go to our Order Now page.

And remember, work-related injuries and illnesses cost the Australian economy about $60 billion each year. Don’t add to that if you can avoid it!

Order Now