We were recently presented with the task of designing and installing permanent access systems on the underside of Hastings Pier.

The pier suffered extensive fire damage in October 2010, destroying an estimated 95% of the superstructure. The Hastings Pier Charity was formed shortly afterwards, and funding was secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which enabled restoration work to commence in January 2014.

Due to the nature of this project, no steel sections were able to be drilled, so we at SafetyLiftinGear had to design and fabricate bespoke stainless steel brackets for the mounting of our permanent horizontal safety lines.

The safety lines will provide over 170 metres of safe access for engineers when completing future maintenance and inspections along the underside of the pier.

This project is yet another example of SLG's ability to provide a bespoke solution for any brief. Visit our Height Safety department or contact us now to get what you need for your project.

All of this equipment was supplied by SafetyLiftinGear (except for the glass sucker).

In addition to the cantilever, we also supplied a complete equipment package that included lifting chains and shackles to assist with the job.

As all of this demonstrates, we don't just sell lifting equipment here at SafetyLiftinGear - we provide a comprehensive service that's individually tailored to each and every customer. Browse our Lifting section now, or contact us to discuss your specific requirement. No matter what you need, we will provide it!

Later this year, former pilot Andy Green will attempt to break the world land speed record by going 1,000mph in the Bloodhound SSC, a supersonic car that is currently being built in Bristol.

SafetyLiftinGear is an official partner of The Bloodhound Project, which has been set up not only to break the record but also to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians to take an interest in these fields. SLG are providing a range of material handling products and lifting equipment for the project, ensuring that the Bloodhound is constructed as safely as possible.

Click here to visit The Bloodhound Project's website and learn more about this amazing idea.

The main advantage of an adjustable beam clamp is the fact that in can be securely fastened to steel girders and beams without any drilling or welding.

How, you ask? Well, it's quite simple. If you purchase a beam clamp from SafetyLiftinGear, it will have an adjusting bar threaded through the centre. This bar can be turned to adjust the width of your clamp; all you have to do is make the clamp wide enough to fit your beam/girder, then tighten the adjusting bar to ensure that clamp is securely attached.

Once the clamp has been applied, you'll be able to use it for a variety of different lifting tasks. Attaching your clamp to a lifting device will allow you to position the beam or girder to which you've clamped it; alternatively, you could attach your clamp to a pre-existing structure, hang a hoist from the clamp, and then use this system to lift other loads.

The clamps that we sell have maximum weight capacities ranging from 1 to 10 tonnes; click here to see the full range and purchase your beam clamp online.

If you don't want to purchase your safety equipment over the internet, why not visit SafetyLiftinGear in person? We have five locations throughout the UK (in Bridgwater, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds and London), and no matter which of our trade counters you visit, you can count on a warm welcome and excellent service.

For example, we recently received some positive feedback from a gentleman named Terry. Here's what Terry, who works for a local scaffolding firm, had to say about his visit to our trade counter in Bristol:

"I would just like to say that your trade counter is looking better and better every time I come in. Also, the young chap who served me - his name was Lee - was really helpful; he provided a quick and friendly service, he was easy to talk to, and he listened well. He was also a funny young man!

"I am glad I shopped at SafetyLiftinGear and I will be recommending your business to others in the future. Thanks again, and see you soon."

We would like to thank Terry for his comments and for his continued custom. All of the products on our website are available to purchase or order from our trade counters - feel free to drop in whenever you need to!

Click here to see the addresses for each of our trade counters, or call SafetyLiftinGear on 0808 123 69 69 for more information.

(image via Flickr)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for roughly one-third of all workplace injuries. Common MSDs include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back injuries.

Just because your job isn't based around manual labour doesn't necessarily mean that you won't be affected by musculoskeletal problems. In this blog post, the SafetyLiftinGear team will share some health and safety tips that should help you and your employees/colleagues to steer clear of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

• Use ergonomic equipment. Perhaps the most common causes of workplace musculoskeletal disorders are poor posture and repetitive strain. Employers can address this by providing ergonomic equipment for their workers - you can get ergonomic chairs, keyboards, computer mice, and a variety of other items that are designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and related complaints.
  
  
• Lift heavy items properly. We recently published a safe lifting guide, which explains, step-by-step, how to lift heavy loads without injuring oneself. If you repeatedly lift heavy objects in a manner that puts strain on your body, it's likely you will end up with a workplace musculoskeletal disorder - so lift with care!
  
  
• Use the correct material handling equipment where necessary. Material handling injuries are very common across many different working environments. It's not always sensible to lift heavy objects using manpower alone - some loads should only be transported using a forklift, pallet truck, or similar.
  
  
• Carry out a workplace risk assessment. Conducting a thorough risk assessment is key to keeping the workplace safe for all who use it. Risk assessments should be carried out by trained health and safety personnel, and renewed whenever there is a significant change in the working environment.

By following these simple health and safety steps, you can drastically reduce your chances of a workplace musculoskeletal disorder. 

As we've discussed previously, working at heights can be very dangerous, and failure to observe the proper safety regulations can lead to dire consequences. Height safety guidelines are in place to keep you from falling and, if you do fall, to prevent you from being badly hurt; you may feel that you are careful or sure-footed enough not to need a safety harness, but one slip is all it takes and it's never worth taking that risk.

With all of this in mind, we at SafetyLiftinGear would like to draw your attention to the following Height Safety Checklist. These safety precautions are recommended by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), so you can rest assured that they were thought up with worker safety in mind.

Before working at height, ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I been properly trained to carry out this job? Do I have the correct permit to work?
  
  
• Will the current weather conditions have any impact on my safety while working at height?
  
  
• Have I chosen the best means of reaching the heights necessary to complete this job? Could I use a cherry picker instead of a ladder?
  
  
• Is this ladder safe? Is it in good condition? Is it tied, footed, or otherwise secured at the base? Is it long enough* for the job?
  
  
• Will I have to walk on a roof or another raised surface? If so, is this surface at all fragile? Is there any risk of falling through?
  
  
• Will I be able to avoid stepping on roof lights? Are all roof lights clearly visible?
  
  
• Do I need crawling boards to safely bridge joists?
  
  
• If I fall, what will prevent me from hitting the ground? Am I wearing a safety harness, and is it properly secured?
  
  
• Is there any chance that I will drop something to the ground below? Could this cause any damage? Should I be wearing a tool lanyard?
  
  
• If a fall or accident should occur, do I have a suitable rescue plan in place?

*To ensure worker safety, ladders should reach at least 0.9m (35 and a half inches) beyond the stepping-off point.

Visit SafetyLiftinGear's Height Safety department to ensure that you have everything you need to safely work at height.