Health and safety at work starts with the movement of loads
Safe transport processes thanks to the right wheel and castor solution
Heavy loads are moved every day in production, logistics and intralogistics. Transport trolleys, material trolleys, tugger trains and mobile workstations are part of everyday working life. However, the impact that wheels and castors have on staff safety is often underestimated. Heavy loads, uncontrollable transport trolleys, unsuitable castors or severe vibrations can increase physical load and create risks in everyday working life.
Why wheels and castors are crucial for workplace safety
Every transport operation begins on the floor. It is there that it is determined how much effort employees have to exert, how controllably loads can be moved, and how safely transport can take place across different floor conditions. Choosing the right wheels and castors has a direct impact on employees’ health and safety. It makes it easier to move loads, ensures controlled manoeuvrability and supports ergonomic workflows. This creates safe and efficient workplaces that reduce the strain on employees whilst boosting efficiency.
Benefits of an optimal wheel and castor solution:
Smooth-running wheels and castors can significantly reduce the effort required to move loads.
Trolleys can be manoeuvred with greater control and stay safely on track.
Staff are relieved of the burden of repetitive transport tasks, thereby reducing fatigue and overexertion.
Controlled movement sequences help to minimise the risk of accidents and make work processes safer.
The basis for safe transport processes
The impact a castor has on ergonomics, handling and occupational safety depends on numerous factors. In addition to the area of application, the tread, bearing type, wheel diameter and offset, amongst other things, play a decisive role. Even small differences can significantly influence the effort required to move loads, manoeuvrability and operational comfort. By optimally coordinating all components, transport processes can be made more efficient, the workload on staff can be reduced and safety in day-to-day work can be improved.
If it rolls, it must also be able to stop
A transport unit should not only manoeuvre well – it must also come to a safe stop. A reliable brake function is crucial, particularly when loading and unloading or when parking. The correct selection and use of brake and locking systems contribute significantly to safety and ergonomics.
Typical accident risks during internal transport arise from uncontrolled trolley movements, transport units rolling away, trolleys veering off course on uneven floors, or a loss of control when manoeuvring heavy loads.
- Directional locks improve directional stability and make it easier to manoeuvre in a controlled manner over longer distances.
- Service brakes enable safe deceleration and controlled manoeuvring, even with heavy loads.
- Parking brakes prevent transport units from rolling away unintentionally during loading and unloading, as well as whilst stationary. In this way, they make an important contribution to accident prevention and safe work processes.
ErgoMove: When muscle power reaches its limits
Not every transport task can be managed in the long term using muscle power alone. Heavy loads, long transport distances and frequent manoeuvring increase the physical effort required and can significantly raise the physical load on staff. To ensure a safe and ergonomic working environment, solutions are therefore needed that reduce pushing forces and improve control over heavy loads.
Your benefits with ErgoMove:
- Significantly reduced pushing and pulling forces
- Safe starting, manoeuvring and braking of heavy loads
- Integrated safety system for maximum control during material handling
- Reduced risk from uncontrolled trolley movements
- Improved ergonomics, occupational safety and process reliability
The right solution starts with the right advice
With decades of experience and one of the world’s largest ranges of wheels and castors, Blickle helps companies make their transport processes safer, more ergonomic and more efficient. Our specialist advisers will help you identify areas for improvement in your application and select the right solution.
Contact your local expert.