Clubb sand and gravel takes joint winner prize

A simple but effective innovation led to Clubb Sand and Gravel’s success at this year’s MPA Health and Safety Awards.

A telescopic pole, which keeps drivers safe when discharging concrete from vehicles, saw the specialist aggregate and concrete manufacturer named joint winner of the awards’ Safer Transport & Logistics category.

The lightweight, easy-to-operate pole was devised by Clubb Sand and Gravel’s Transport Manager, Mark Farbrace. The long-range instrument allows drivers to direct a vehicle’s chute at distance whilst it discharges ready mixed concrete into a pump, skip or footings. Allowing drivers to stand clear from the vehicles rear during the pouring process reducing the risk of operators being crushed between vehicles, tripping into footings or coming into contact with the concrete itself.

Mark said his experience as a ready mixed concrete driver inspired his invention. “I think our award win proves that the simplest ideas are very often the best,” he said. “The telescopic pole removes drivers from a potential danger area whilst discharging concrete. It’s proved very popular. The feedback I’ve had from colleagues who have used it has been absolutely fantastic.

“As Transport Manager, knowing drivers have a safer way of carrying out an everyday, but potential risky process, has taken a weight off my mind. The MPA Health and Safety Award win is an unexpected, but gratifying bonus.”

Clubb Sand and Gravel’s quality concrete and aggregates are manufactured and supplied from their sites in Gravesend and Dartford

Larry Dale, the company’s Managing Director, speaking of the MPA Health and Safety Award win, said: “Congratulations to Mark on his simple but brilliant invention. Mark is passionate about his work, and his commitment to safety is well renowned. We feel very fortunate to have someone of his calibre as a prominent member of our transport team. The award is very well deserved and we are all extremely proud of his fantastic achievement, and invention.”