The Challenge
Robson Refrigeration is a specialist provider of refrigeration servicing, maintenance, and repair solutions for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and articulated trailers. With a busy workshop environment and a constant flow of vehicles requiring servicing, maintaining safe access to refrigeration units mounted at height is critical to both technician safety and operational efficiency.
Routine servicing and maintenance of refrigeration units requires technicians to work at height on the front-mounted equipment fitted to trucks and trailers. Prior to engaging SafeSmart, Robson Refrigeration relied primarily on ladders to access these units.
While ladders provided a basic means of access, they presented several operational challenges:
- Increased risk associated with working at height.
- Limited working space for technicians, tools, and replacement components.
- Difficulty maintaining three points of contact while performing servicing tasks.
- Reduced productivity caused by repeated climbing and repositioning.
- Inconsistent access due to the varying heights of HGVs and articulated trailers.
- Restricted access around the refrigeration units, making certain maintenance tasks more difficult and time-consuming.
The workshop required a safer, more practical access solution that could accommodate different vehicle configurations while improving technician efficiency and overall workshop throughput.
The SafeSmart Solution
SafeSmart worked closely with Robson Refrigeration to understand the specific requirements of their workshop environment and servicing procedures.
To address these challenges, a custom height access platform system was designed specifically to provide safe and efficient access to refrigeration units across a wide range of truck and trailer types.
Key Features:
Height-Adjustable Platform
The platform can be adjusted to suit varying vehicle and operator heights, providing a flexible solution capable of servicing multiple truck and trailer configurations without the need for separate access equipment.
Large Working Area
Unlike ladders, the custom platform provides a spacious work area that allows technicians to safely position tools, spare parts, and equipment within easy reach. This reduces unnecessary movement and improves productivity throughout servicing operations.
Integrated Stair Access
Integrated stair access enables safer and more comfortable entry and exit compared to ladder access, reducing fatigue and helping technicians maintain safer work practices throughout the day.
Sliding Leading-Edge Sections
A key feature of the solution is the sliding leading-edge design, allowing the platform to be positioned tightly against the vehicle.
This enables the working platform to effectively wrap around the refrigeration unit while eliminating exposed floor gaps between the platform and vehicle. The result is improved fall protection and safer access to all areas of the unit during servicing and maintenance.
Improved Access Around Equipment
The platform configuration provides technicians with better access to all sides of the refrigeration unit, allowing maintenance tasks to be completed more efficiently and with less physical strain.
The Outcome
Since implementing the SafeSmart custom platform system, Robson Refrigeration has experienced measurable improvements across both safety and operational performance.
Enhanced Safety
By replacing ladders with a dedicated proprietary access platform, technicians now have a secure and stable working environment when performing maintenance at height. The elimination of large gaps and the addition of integrated edge protection have significantly reduced fall risks throughout servicing operations.
Increased Productivity
The larger work area and improved access around the refrigeration units allow technicians to complete servicing tasks more efficiently. Tools and components can be kept close at hand, reducing downtime and improving workflow.
Greater Workshop Throughput
Faster servicing times and improved operator efficiency have enabled more vehicles to move through the workshop while maintaining high safety standards.
Future-Proof Flexibility
The height-adjustable design provides a versatile solution capable of accommodating a broad range of truck and trailer configurations, ensuring the platform remains suitable as fleet requirements evolve.
Project Benefits at a Glance
✔ Safer alternative to ladder-based access
✔ Height-adjustable to suit multiple truck and trailer types
✔ Larger, more productive working area
✔ Integrated stair access for safer entry and exit
✔ Sliding leading-edge sections eliminate platform gaps
✔ Improved access around refrigeration units
✔ Reduced servicing time
✔ Increased workshop throughput
✔ Improved technician comfort and safety
