At National Plastics & Rubber, we continuously partner with clients to tackle emerging challenges in heavy industries. Our expertise lies in fostering safer work environments, enhancing ergonomics, and delivering engineered solutions to address critical incidents. Our problem-solving approach and commercially viable innovations have been trusted across sectors including aviation, manufacturing, construction, hydraulics, and automotive.
The Challenge
A major mining client in Western Australia approached us to address a pressing safety issue. Their maintenance teams were using timber slabs on excavator lift platforms to elevate and stabilise the tracks, allowing access for underbody maintenance. However, these timber slabs posed significant risks. The immense weight of the excavators caused the timber to splinter, crack, and degrade quickly, leading to potential safety hazards. Additionally, maintenance crews faced the manual, labor-intensive process of positioning these heavy slabs, which lacked load ratings, composition standards, and proper testing. While timber may seem like an ‘easy choice’ for cribbing, machine support, and chocking, its limitations and unpredictable nature made it an unsuitable long-term solution.
Our Solution
Leveraging our strong relationship with the client, we were asked to devise a safer and more durable alternative. Our design team responded by engineering four load-rated polyurethane load pads tailored to the client’s platform specifications. These pads were designed to support the excavator’s weight effectively, while being light enough for two workers to position with ease. Key features include our patented High Traction surface for improved stability and integrated lifting eyes with polyurethane handles for better ergonomic handling.
This innovation not only enhanced safety and usability but also demonstrated our commitment to replacing outdated timber solutions in heavy-duty environments. We have a history of developing products aimed at minimising reliance on timber, such as our Stacko™ Block System, reinforcing our dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in product design.
Why Choose National Plastics & Rubber?
This case study exemplifies how our refined product development process leads to practical, effective solutions that prioritise safety, reliability, and productivity. If your site faces challenges related to safety or efficiency and you believe a polyurethane, rubber, or industrial plastic solution could be the answer, reach out to us. Work with the industry innovators at National Plastics & Rubber, your trusted partner in engineering excellence.
Contact National Plastics & Rubber today to discuss your collaboration needs.
