Clubb Sand and Gravel take ‘pole’ position
Company named as joint winner of industry safety award for innovative telescopic pole
A SIMPLE but effective innovation led to Clubb Sand and Gravel’s success at this year’s MPA Health and Safety Awards. A telescopic pole, which keeps drivers safe when discharging concrete from their vehicles, saw the specialist aggregate and concrete manufacturer named joint winner of the awards’ Safer Transport & Logistics category.
The lightweight, easy-to-operate pole was devised by Clubb Sand and Gravel transport manager Mark Farbrace. The instrument allows a truckmixer driver to direct the vehicle’s chute from distance while it discharges ready-mixed concrete into a pump, skip, or footings. By allowing the driver to stand clear of the rear of the vehicle during the pouring process, it reduces the risk of operators being crushed between vehicles, tripping into footings, or coming into contact with the concrete itself.
Mr Farbrace said it was his experience as a ready-mixed concrete driver that inspired his invention. ‘I think our award win proves that the simplest ideas are very often the best,’ he remarked. ‘The telescopic pole removes the driver from a potential danger area while discharging concrete. It’s proved very popular. The feedback I’ve had from colleagues who have used it has been absolutely fantastic.
‘As transport manager, knowing drivers have a safer way of carrying out an everyday but potential risky process has taken a weight off my mind. The MPA Health and Safety Award win is an unexpected, but gratifying bonus.’
Larry Dale, Clubb Sand and Gravel’s managing director, said: ‘Congratulations to Mark on his simple but brilliant invention. Mark is passionate about his work, and his commitment to safety is renowned. We feel very fortunate to have someone of his calibre as a prominent member of our transport team. The award is very well deserved and we are all extremely proud of his fantastic achievement, and invention.’
Kent-based Clubb Sand and Gravel manufacture and supply concrete and aggregates from sites in Gravesend and Dartford.
