6 Tips To Improve Work Truck Ergonomics and Tech Comfort  

6 Tips To Improve Work Truck Ergonomics and Tech Comfort  

Sponsored by Miller

For service technicians, the setup and design of their trucks can affect efficiency, comfort and safety, and access to the tools and equipment they need to get work done. 

The choices that fleet managers make when specifying a work truck impact play a key role in all of these factors, and it’s not only safety and efficiency that can be improved. A truck with the right layout and equipment can also enhance technician job satisfaction — playing an important role in hiring and retaining technicians in your fleet. 

Here are six tips to keep in mind when specifying your next work truck. 

Tip 1: Provide easier access to equipment and tools 

Keep access and ergonomics top of mind and take a technician’s day-to-day work into account when designing a truck and chassis. Features such as well-placed handrails, steps on the back of the truck, adequate lighting and non-slip surface coverings can improve safety when techs must climb in and out of the truck or have to work in less-than-ideal weather conditions. These add-ons are available in many styles and designs, making it easy to find the solutions best-suited for your truck. Also keep access in mind when mounting larger equipment like welder/generators or auxiliary power units. When possible, place them lower on the truck so the controls are accessible from the ground. 

Tip 2: Reduce the need to climb in and out 

When technicians must repeatedly get in and out of the back of their trucks to change equipment settings or reach tools, it increases the chances for strain or injury. Minimizing how often a tech must take this action reduces hazards and saves time. Choose equipment and accessories that provide easy access, such as remote panels or point-of-use controls. This allows technicians to change settings and access functions from the ground — so they spend less time walking back and forth or climbing in and out of the truck. 

Tip 3: Make maintenance and service easier 

Following a regular service schedule for the truck engine and equipment on the truck will help avoid breakdowns and poor performance. Look for equipment that is designed for simple maintenance — with features that offer faster and easier access to reduce the hassle and time spent on maintenance when it’s needed. For example, some equipment has removable service panels or all of the service points located on a single side of the machine. Some truck accessories and equipment offer remote oil filter and drain kits, which keep technicians off the truck since they can access the equipment from the ground for service. 

Tip 4: Don’t forget truck cab comfort 

Techs and mechanics work in all types of weather to complete repairs and maintenance on the jobsite. When they’re working in rain, heat or freezing cold, a cooled or heated truck cab gives them a break from the elements — a big factor in tech comfort and productivity. It also helps keep their laptops and cell phones safe and dry. However, some options for heating and cooling a work truck cab increase fleet costs and affect a truck’s resale value if they involve cutting or modifying the cab. This can force fleet managers to choose between technician comfort and their goals of controlling costs and reducing truck idling. Instead, choose an integrated heating and cooling solution that provides cab climate control without the need to run the truck engine. This type of solution prioritizes tech comfort and safety while also saving money on fuel and maintenance. 

Tip 5: Reduce clutter on the truck 

An organized truck that is free of clutter can help technicians be more efficient while also reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls. Choosing one tool or piece of equipment that provides multiple capabilities is one way to consolidate equipment on a truck. For example, a single auxiliary power system can provide welding, generator power, compressed air, battery charge and hydraulic capabilities. This reduces the amount of equipment needed on the truck and frees up space for other tools. Investing in cabinets and shelving also helps technicians keep their tools organized to reduce clutter. 

Tip 6: Use data to promote better habits 

Telematics systems can deliver a wealth of information about every truck in a fleet, allowing fleet managers to track things like fuel costs or time spent on a job. These systems can also be used to monitor certain behaviors and driving habits, such as sending alerts regarding speed or harsh braking. Take advantage of telematics data in your fleet and use it as an opportunity to implement any needed training, reward good habits and promote more efficient and safer practices. 

Focus on access and comfort when spec’ing a truck

Take into account a service technician’s comfort, safety and efficiency when designing and upfitting a truck. It can improve tech satisfaction and retention and can also help techs complete jobs faster — positively impacting your fleet’s productivity. 

Learn about Miller solutions for your next upfit.

You May Also Like

Vibratech TVD: Protecting the Engines that Move the World

Every single internal combustion engine has torsional vibration. What is torsional vibration? Torsional vibration is the end to end twisting and rebounding of the rotating assembly caused by internal combustion of an engine during the firing sequence (power stroke). Like the crankshaft, torsional vibrations are found in camshafts as well as drivelines. This event is

Every single internal combustion engine has torsional vibration.

What is torsional vibration? Torsional vibration is the end to end twisting and rebounding of the rotating assembly caused by internal combustion of an engine during the firing sequence (power stroke). Like the crankshaft, torsional vibrations are found in camshafts as well as drivelines. This event is evident in every engine upon start up and continues while the engine is running. Torsional Vibration becomes harsher as the engine is under load and as power levels increase. Uncontrolled torsional vibration can lead to excessive NVH, premature wear and catastrophic failure.

The Commercial Fleet Safety Tech Evolution: Don’t Get Left Behind

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, it’s no surprise that the Commercial Fleet Industry is rethinking its safety features for the future.  But as with all good things, the process is slow and as steady as the turtle who wins the race. As much as manufacturers might begin to improve fleet vehicle safety

Diesel engine filtration tips for better fuel efficiency

Wix Filters’s tips for achieving the right balance of engine protection and efficiency.

Three heavy-duty trucking aftermarket trends and what they means to you

Hendrickson aftermarket support helps keep fleets rolling productively.

Commercial Fleet Industry: Past, Present, and Yet to Come

In the past, safety solutions were often viewed as an unnecessary luxury in the commercial fleet industry. “Don’t have it; don’t need it” was a common phrase and is still one that many owners and manufacturers might say today. There was no rush to install a high-end safety system when the mirrors and reverse alerts

Other Posts

Aperia Technologies extends predictive tire maintenance platform to last-mile market

Its tire analytics engine is said to use machine learning to characterize the many interrelated variables that affect and inform tire-related maintenance.

aperia-tech-tire-maintenance
Avoiding wheel end maintenance complications

Here are the unintended component service consequences that come from fixing related equipment.

Hendrickson-outboard-motor-1400-unscripted
Optimizing truck uptime via maintenance contracts

Learn what to look for in a fleet maintenance contract, as well as questions to ask when customizing that contract.

Fleet-Uptime-Maintenance-Contracts
Mack Trucks touts new Mack Premium Service Contracts

An updated service contract offering brings adaptive maintenance and fleet management support.

Mack-Anthem-Red-Industrial-setting-1400