Battery operated equipment is good news for our team, the environment and our customers

This winter our Grounds Maintenance team has been using battery operated machinery to keep neighbourhoods looking great - and the new kit helps our team to stay safer at work and offers better environmental performance, too!

The team has been using the new equipment – which includes hedgecutters and strimmers – to carry out this year’s winter maintenance programme.

Health and safety benefits for colleagues include no exhaust emissions, lower noise levels and reduced vibration.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) comes from the consistent use of hand-held power tools and hand-guided equipment and can be the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints).

David Wrigley, Head of Neighbourhood Care said: "Keeping our team safe at work is our priority and reducing the risk of HAVS is a particular focus for us. There is lots of evidence to say that battery powered equipment causes less vibration for the operator compared to traditional, petrol driven equivalents.

“As well as reducing HAVs issues, the battery operated equipment offers good protection against other health risks, less noisy to use in neighbourhoods, helps us reduce our carbon footprint and give our customers good value for money, too.”

The team has been very positive about the benefits of the new kit. We caught up with members of our Neighbourhood Care team, Netty and Adam earlier this week to see what they have to say - watch our video below.

To see when our Grounds Maintenance team will be working in your neighbourhood, visit http://ow.ly/i0G350DCk5n