In the realm of commercial vehicles, safety isn't just a priority; it's a necessity. Every year, thousands of workers rely on vans and trucks to transport goods, tools, and consumables to job sites. Adrian Steel, a leader in van and truck upfitting solutions, is at the forefront of enhancing safety in these mobile workplaces. Van and truck safety is a critical consideration when upfitting these mobile workplaces because safety affects business problems such as high inventory costs, low margins, missed revenue goals and high insurance premiums. When upfitting your fleet, look for a company that offers innovative designs and has a commitment to delivering quality products. 

Assessment:

 Safety starts with assessing each van or truck. Understanding what is being carried and how frequently tools and consumables are being used helps uncover challenges, opportunities, and safety risks. Understand that every job and technician is different. This is why customizing solutions tailored to the specific job responsibilities of each technician is critical. 

Crash-tested Designs: 

Safety starts with design, and the vendor you select shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to crash testing. Products have to undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet or exceed industry safety standards. From shelving units to partitions, each component requires engineering to withstand the forces of a collision, protecting both the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. In a recent customer testimonial, a technician stated that “the partition saved my life.” While transporting 1,500 pound pallets of cargo to a construction site, he suddenly had to slam on his brakes to avoid oncoming traffic. In doing so, the pallets stored near the tail end of the vehicle (for easier access) flew forward, slamming into the partition. Because the partition met product safety standards, the driver was unharmed. 

Quality: 

Durability is a critical consideration to safety. Look for vendors that only use the highest quality materials in their products. Whether it's high-strength steel shelving or impact-resistant partitions, the equipment you install in your fleet vehicles has to be built to last. By investing in quality products for your fleet, you’ll help ensure that they can withstand the rigors of daily use without compromising safety for years to come. Fleet vehicles are one of the largest investments HVAC firms make. There is a lot to consider: Vehicle brand, insurance, maintenance, wraps and choosing the correct shelving units for tools and consumables such as refrigerant canisters as well as ladder racks for ladders and other materials. 

Ergonomic Design: 

Safety isn't just about protecting against accidents; it's also about preventing injuries. Products designed with ergonomics in mind make it easier and safer for workers to access products, tools and consumables. A critical safety consideration is to assess the type of ladder rack on the van or truck. Understanding the type of ladder or other materials that may be carried on the roof as well as how often they are accessed can help determine the type of ladder rack needed to reduce risk or injury.  You can significantly reduce back and shoulder injuries with the right type of ladder rack. 

Secure Storage: 

Keeping valuable tools and consumables secure is essential for both safety and peace of mind. There are a wide range of storage solutions, including lockable cabinets, drawers, portable parts cases, and storage bins. You’ve heard the old saying,  “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Storage solutions create efficiency by allowing the technician to find and access what they are looking for quickly, allowing them to save time on each job. Tools and consumables stored in the proper place also reduces the risk of sprains, strains and lacerations. 

Integrated Safety Features: 

Additional customization considerations include a wide range of integrated safety features to further enhance protection. From backup cameras to emergency lighting, many products help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and respond quickly to potential hazards. 

Continuous Improvement: 

Safety is an ongoing process, and as an owner you should be committed to a continuous process of improvement. You should regularly solicit feedback from your service techs to identify additional areas of improvement. Small investments in integrated safety, storage and security far outweigh serious injuries and loss of product that can occur within your fleet. 

In conclusion, your most reliable resource for van and truck safety is to partner with a firm that has experience in providing upfitting solutions that protect your workers and enhance efficiency. With crash-tested designs, durable materials, ergonomic features, and integrated safety technology, Adrian Steel products set the standard for safety in the industry. By prioritizing safety and innovation, you can help your businesses operate with confidence, knowing that their mobile workplaces have the equipment to handle whatever challenges come their way.

Jon Bezon, with a career starting in 1987 as a cellular sales pioneer at Cellular One of Northeast Ohio, has excelled in B2B sales and management roles. Joining Adrian Steel Co. in 2007. He significantly boosted sales in the Northeast region. His versatile career includes owning a chain of pizza shops and advancing in telecom and event development at Adrian Steel.