Easing the work-at-height headaches
Eazi Access’ partnerships with renowned global access equipment suppliers, such as JLG, ensure that its fleet is always at the forefront of technological developments. Eazi Access, Africa’s market leader in the rental of work-at-height and material handling solutions, is committed to safety, based on the understanding that safety is crucial for equipment operating at height, particularly when the machinery is responsible for moving personnel, writes Munesu Shoko.
In a high-risk environment where 190 per 100,000 workers slip or trip, and falls of 48 to 77 per 100,000 workers occur globally each year while working-at-height, the need for priority safety measures is clear. Such injuries also cause productivity challenges; for instance, the UK’s Labour Force Survey estimated that slips, trips, and falls at height led to an estimated 1.5 million working hours lost between 2012 and 2013 alone.
Most injuries of this nature occur when personnel use traditional work-at-height solutions such as scaffolding, ladders, and aluminium towers. Driven by the mission to protect employees and businesses, Eazi Access aims to provide safer alternatives as part of its core values. The company is Africa’s leader in the rental, sales, servicing, and training of work-at-height and material handling solutions, boasting the continent’s largest and most diverse fleet of scissor lifts, boom lifts, mini cranes, and personnel lifts.
“Power access is inherently safer compared to traditional options like scaffolding and ladders,” says Chad Pope, Business Development Executive at Eazi Access. “We offer safe, reliable machines, along with certified and experienced telehandler operators to ensure that all safety standards are adhered to.”
Extensive Fleet
Eazi Access was founded in 2003 with a vision to make working-at-height safer and more efficient. It serves multiple industries, including mining, light industrial, entertainment, and construction. Through partnerships with leading global equipment suppliers like JLG and Power Towers, its fleet remains technologically advanced and world-class.
Its JLG fleet is expansive, with Articulated Diesel Booms ranging from the JLG 340AJ (working height of 12.33 m) to the JLG 1250AJP (40.3 m working height). “Our Telescopic Diesel Booms range from the JLG 400S, which has a 14.29 m working height, all the way to the JLG 1850SJ with a remarkable 58.56 m working height,” says Jean du Randt, Chief Strategy Officer at Eazi Access. The range is further expanded by electric booms like the JLG E300AJP (10.97 m working height) and the JLG M600JP (20.39 m working height).
For low-level access applications, the Push Around and Self-Propelled Vertical Lift range begins with the JLG Liftpod (4.32 m) and goes up to the JLG 30AM (11.14 m). Other solutions include the Diesel Scissor Lift range, starting with the JLG 260MRT (9.92 m) to the JLG 245-25 (26.5 m), while Electric Scissor Lifts span heights between 7.72 m and 14.19 m.
Safety Features and Compliance
To ensure safety, all Eazi Access machines are equipped with audible location signals, emergency safety switches, and clear directional markings. “All controls have a ‘dead-man function’ that stops or returns to neutral when released,” explains Pope.
Eazi also enforces stringent maintenance and safety inspection programs. “We conduct inspections that exceed the prescribed standards to enhance our customer’s safety experience,” adds Du Randt. All machines meet CE (European) and ANSI (American) standards and thus comply with ISO standards, which the SABS has adopted as required for equipment safety.
Training is Key
Lack of clear, understandable instructions is a significant reason equipment is misused or underutilised. Uplift Quality Solutions, part of Eazi Access, is an accredited training provider with TETA and ETDP Setas, delivering certified training that meets SAQA Unit Standards.
“Eazi Access prides itself on offering certified training and reliable machines throughout the rental period,” concludes Pope.