Platform hand trucks can have fixed or adjustable platforms. Heavy goods are placed on the platform and transported manually to avoid lifting. Adjustable platform trucks have platforms which can be raised and lowered electrically, with a battery or by winch, to enable easier loading.
Electrically powered stair climber platform hand trucks are also available which enable the user to move a heavy load up the stairs with minimal effort:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Platform hand trucks allow heavy goods to be transported around the workplace whilst avoiding unnecessary risk of injury to the worker.
In loading the platform trucks, some persons may be at risk of injury due to the heavy weights of the goods being loaded. In order to avoid injury whilst loading goods onto the platform, workers may also need to use other equipment to assist with lifting heavy loads. See the links below for more information:
There are various types of platform hand trucks including:
- low level platform trolleys which are suitable for luggage and large cartons but require the user to bend down to pick up items from the platform
- high platform trolleys with a platform at a more convenient height for manual handling
- two wheeled trolleys which often need to be lifted on and off delivery trucks for use with items that need to be picked up and put down at floor level.
When considering which type of platform truck is suitable, the environment, the worker, the task and the load should all be taken into consideration.
References
Safety and Mobility 2011, Powered Stairclimber/Wheelchair Stairclimbers, Safety and Mobility, St Ives, viewed 12 August 2011, http://www.safetyandmobility.com.au/ProductList.php?CategoryID=46.
Seton Australia 2006, Trolleys and hand trucks, Seton Australia, Regents Park, viewed 12 August 2011, http://www.seton.net.au/warehouse-products/manual-handling/trolleys-hand-trucks.html?gclid=CPrT8t7NsqMCFQpJbwoddEEf5Q.
Seton Australia 2006, How can I prevent manual handling injuries?, Seton Australia, Regents Park, viewed 12 August 2011, http://www.seton.net.au/resourcecenter/manual-handling/how-can-i-prevent-manual-handling-injuries.html.
WorkCover NSW 2010, Design and selection of trolleys, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 12 August 2011, http://www.smartmove.nsw.gov.au/ContentFiles/WorkCoverManualHandling/Documents/20071019 DESIGN AND SELECTION OF TROLLEYS.pdf.