Organization, security, and safety are all vital components to a successful construction project. A worker distracted by their personal cell phone could result in poor workmanship, a costly mistake, or danger to other workers. When tools, equipment, or material roll to the front of a pickup truck bed behind the cab, this can lead to unsafe methods of recovery, such as jumping in and out of the bed to retrieve items, which could potentially cause injury. Unattended trailers left at worksites, unlocked gates, or portable generators that are not secured can all leave opportunities open for theft. One of the easiest ways to stay organized, secure materials, and maintain employee safety is to choose the right products for any construction site.
ORGANIZE IT
A simple way to both organize and secure tools and equipment in the bed of a pickup truck is to consider adding an in-bed cargo management system. Typically installed by a light truck accessory retailer, these cargo organizers allow items to be placed on a platform or tray that slides out from the bed of the truck. These types of cargo management systems can help improve safety, eliminating the need to jump in and out of the truck bed to retrieve items that have rolled to the front during transport.
LTA Manufacturing offers several LoadMaster and StorMaster cargo management systems to suit any contractor’s needs. LTA offers LoadMaster slide out trays in three different options:
CP Composite Bed System, the lightest duty product, is a solid one-piece tray with an all-fiberglass deck and spray-on bed liner material that has a dual latching system which easily slides in and out.
SD Standard Duty has a wood deck covered in either an all-weather carpet material or a rubber mat, whichever option is preferred. The Standard Duty System has a dual latching system with five locking locations and an 800-lb capacity in a no-drill installation, or a 1,000-lb capacity with a drill installation.
HD Heavy-Duty System features all steel construction and a steel diamond tread deck tray coated with a spray-on bed liner material, a reinforced track system, dual latching system, and up to 1,200-lb capacity.
Storage drawers located under a platform or slide-out tray are an efficient method to allow contractors to use the maximum amount of bed space while organizing the tools and equipment needed for their projects into compartments.
LoadMaster’s StorMaster Combo is comprised of two secure storage drawers placed beneath the 57-inch-wide LoadMaster roll out tray that easily slide in and out and can be compartmentalized to organize equipment.
ELIMINATE THEFT
Another important step to safety on a jobsite is removing any potential distractions, of which cell phones can be a cause. Locking up a cell phone in a vehicle is one way to improve employee performance as well as decrease jobsite distractions. Some employees may balk at the idea of leaving their cell phone in their personal or work vehicle due to the potential risk of theft. Others may be hesitant to leave their phones on a desk in a work trailer on the jobsite for the same reason. One solution for this situation is to use a high-security portable lockbox or to install a security console insert safe in their pickup to store wallets, cell phones, or tablets. Products such as these from manufacturers like Tuffy Security Products can be used to store valuables while preventing theft thanks to their rugged construction and locking features. Tuffy also offers lockboxes specifically designed to fit inconspicuously underneath the rear seat of a pickup to securely store tools and equipment.
Additionally, equipment theft at the actual construction site when not in use can be a major concern. BOLT Locks, which offers the convenience of “one key security” to operate a variety of locks is a relatively new technology to help contractors protect equipment. Trailers left unattended overnight and the temporary fencing placed around jobsites is not always the stoutest. Other currently available security options are not always convenient, either.
BOLT SOLUTION
Multiple keys can weigh down a keychain or can be lost. Memorizing combinations for padlocks can be a hassle, while being able to see the numbers on a padlock in the early morning hours before the sun rises can be difficult. Finding a solution that reduces key clutter while making the ease of use of locks more convenient is important to contractors. Products that can be keyed specifically to a work vehicle’s ignition key are a convenient remedy to this situation. BOLT Locks automatically key to a vehicle’s ignition key the first time they’re inserted so the one ignition key is used to operate a variety of locks: king pin locking systems and off vehicle locks for when the trailer is not hooked to a tow vehicle, receiver locks, coupler pin locks, cable locks, and padlocks.
Solutions for organization, security, and safety exist in the market, and companies are innovating new products with the latest technology every day. Finding the products that best suit the needs of construction workers and contractors is imperative when working to improve all three concerns at jobsites.
For more information:
Find out more solutions on improving jobsite organization, visit www.ltamanufacturing.com and www.tuffyproducts.com. Find out more security solutions, visit www.boltlock.com.
