JCB Teleskid’s unique side entry door
As with most responsible companies, safety is a top priority at Fairchild Equipment. This article spotlights recent construction safety data and the history of occupational health advancements that drive new innovations like the JCB Teleskid’s side-entry door.
The construction industry employs more than 7.5 million men and women in the United States and remains one of the most dangerous to work in.
Not a surprise. Most construction takes place outdoors in variable weather conditions, where passing vehicles or moving equipment pose a mobile threat, at heights where the risk of falls is great, on scaffolds that can collapse, or trenches that can cave in.
All too common are slips, falls, and safety incidents involving improperly secured materials, or the unsafe—noncompliant operation of tools and other heavy equipment machinery.
Latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows 1,056 construction workers died from on-the job accidents in ’21 alone. To put it in perspective, that’s equal to five airplane crashes.
These numbers remind us of the real, tangible risks that come with certain occupations.
While certain jobs involve inherent, unavoidable dangers due to the nature of the work, no death should occur without the proper safety measures in place. And as a country, we have made significant strides in improving safety since the early 20th century.
Today, companies like JCB are at the forefront of integrating safety into equipment design, exemplified by innovations such as the Teleskid’s unique side-entry door.
JCB Teleskid’s Unique Side-Entry Door: A Leap Forward in Safety
JCB engineered its latest skid steer, the Teleskid, with a unique side-entry door that addresses common safety hazards in the construction industry.
Traditionally, skid steer loaders require operators to enter and exit the machine by climbing over attachments or the front bucket, posing risks of slips, trips, and falls. Recognizing these potential hazards, JCB engineered the Teleskid with a unique side-entry door to enhance operator safety and convenience.
Enhanced Operator Safety
The side-entry skid steer door allows operators to enter and exit the cab without the need to climb over any attachments. This design minimizes the risk of accidents associated with mounting and dismounting the equipment. By providing ground-level access, the JCB Teleskid ensures that operators maintain three points of contact, adhering to best safety practices on the job site.
Tristin England, a seasoned operator, notes, “Getting in a skid steer from the front door is not ideal, even though it’s been that way forever. JCB’s side-entry design just makes sense—it’s safer and more convenient.”
Original, Innovative Design
Beyond the side-entry door, the JCB Teleskid combines versatility and efficiency with several innovative features:
- Telescopic Boom: The Teleskid is the only skid steer loader and compact track loader with a telescopic boom, providing an unparalleled forward reach of over 8 feet and a lift height over 13 feet. This capability reduces the need for repositioning the machine, enhancing productivity and safety by keeping the operator at a safe distance from potential hazards.
- Single-Arm Powerboom™ Design: This design not only contributes to the machine’s strength and reliability but also improves visibility. Operators have a clear view of their surroundings, reducing blind spots and the likelihood of collisions with people or objects on the site.
- Easy Maintenance Access: Ground-level access to daily service points means technicians can perform routine maintenance without climbing on the skid steer machine, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Impact on Workplace Safety
The Teleskid’s design addresses several common causes of construction site injuries:
- Reduced Slip and Fall Risks: Side entry eliminates the need to climb over attachments, decreasing the chance of slips and falls during entry and exit.
- Improved Visibility: Enhanced sightlines help operators detect and avoid obstacles and personnel, preventing accidents.
- Versatility Reduces Equipment Needs: With its extended reach and lift capabilities, the Teleskid can perform tasks typically requiring multiple machines. Fewer machines on site mean fewer potential points of failure and a reduced risk of construction equipment-related incidents.
We hope that this discussion has been helpful for your construction equipment needs. Fairchild Equipment is the Upper Midwest’s premier Material Handling Equipment, Construction Equipment and Service resource, with headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and numerous locations serving needs 24/7 across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Northern Illinois, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For more information or to discuss which Construction Equipment solution might be best for you, please send us a message or call us at (844) 432-4724.