By Jena Williams
Check out the TIRES idea bank for solutions to common trucking issues. Got solutions? This is a work in progress so send us your ideas.
Archive for March, 2012
Needs ideas?
Mar 26
Trick of the Tandems
Mar 19
By Jena Williams
Sliding the tandems to get your weight properly distributed and get on the road can be time consuming and lead to injuries. Repeatedly entering and exiting the cab to check the tandem status can cause strains if truckers jump from their cabs and increases risks of slips, trips or falls from ice or debris on the steps or yard. There are some tools on the market that claim to help make sliding the tandems quick and easy.
Have you used any of these products? What are your thoughts on how well they work?
Locking Pin Locator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4hfHU5_YaQ
STA-RAT (Semi Tandem Axle-Release Assist Tool) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5ZjU2lVYf0
The Mark – Sliding Tandem Pin Line up Tool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEBJ-zrwADE
Trailer Slide Stop: http://www.trailerslidestop.com/
By Jena Williams
Over and over, we hear stories of how workers are injured or killed while performing a task that they have done the same way for years. Sadly, just because you’ve always done something a certain way, doesn’t mean that it is the safest way to do it. And why risk your health or life? Washington Labor & Industries recently developed this training in response to a death that never should have occurred. An experienced worker was killed because he didn’t take some simple safety precautions. To make sure this doesn’t happen again, show this video to your drivers.
Or if you only have time for a quick review, print and discuss this true story with your workers.
Together we can prevent injuries in trucking!
By Jena Williams
Washington’s State Legislature recently approved an alternative tire-traction device that might help keep drivers safe in winter driving conditions. According to this Q 13 Fox news story, the “tire sock,” is a fabric alternative to chains that slips easily onto tires to improve traction.
The state of Colorado approved tire socks for trucks several years ago, as shown in this Denver news story on YouTube, however, the California State Highway Patrol does not allow their use in place of chains as traction devices. The Washington State Patrol still must test and approve tire socks before they are approved for public roadways.
Have you tried the tire sock? Does it work as well as chains? What do you see as the potential safety implications? TIRES would love to hear from you if you’ve had experience with tire socks.