More than a mode of transport

Gone are the days when a truck or van was just a way of getting from one job to the next. Field service vehicles are an increasingly valuable asset with many faces: mobile office, technology hub and roving inventory location.

So, too, have vehicle fit-outs moved beyond just racks and shelving. From preconfigured to custom designed, the right fit-out can improve vehicle investment and running costs, streamline work management, enhance inventory control and minimise time on-site.

There are plenty of aftermarket products available for DIY installation into most common vehicle makes and models. So, should you go down that road or are you better off working with a professional installer? In truth, there’s no ‘right’ answer. However, an increased spotlight on the duty of care for mobile workforces means that field service managers have a vested interest in guaranteeing employee safety, both in and out of a vehicle.

Safety first

In a time of escalating fuel prices, it might be tempting to focus solely on weight reduction in an effort to minimise the load and subsequent running costs, but there are other considerations when choosing the most appropriate fit-out. Selecting components made from lighter materials may reduce weight, but fail to provide the same levels of safety or durability as the alternatives.

In April this year, the federal government announced a $2.2m two-year funding commitment to the independent vehicle safety rating organisation Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). In addition, recent changes to OHS legislation nominated managers of mobile teams as directly responsible for the welfare of those employees. Obviously, employers are bound to provide staff with a safe working environment, which inherently includes fleet-managed vehicles, but these changes signal an increased focus on employee safety, particularly in the realm of the mobile workforce.

Obviously, the function of a service vehicle, the nature of the work and the necessary equipment load will guide much of a fit-out requirement, but some elements are simply mandatory. Cargo barriers, for instance, are generally a given to prevent equipment from entering the driver’s cabin. However, safety extends beyond just being in transit, so thought should be given to creating secure conditions for loading and unloading, or simply accessing the vehicle when on-site.

The choices

There are so many elements to a vehicle fit-out: service bodies, canopies, shelving, racking, drawers and other forms of storage, cargo barriers, window grills and guards, air curtains, interior trimming, flooring, lifts and accessories such as roof racks, tow bars, bull bars, nudge bars, grab handles, lighting, ladder posts and extra seating, to name a few.

While the DIY option may seem like a better choice economically speaking, the benefit of working with professional designers and installers means that equipment is not only tailored to meet the specific needs of your team and the work they carry out, but it is also guaranteed in terms of materials and installation. Vehicle fit-out professionals understand the nature of the equipment and how best to fit it, including any material limitations, and many offer systems that have been designed to meet with Australian crash test standards. They also understand the weight impact of additional equipment within a vehicle and will ensure an appropriate balance is achieved.

These are important factors when it comes to ensuring both safety and longevity of an installation. A slightly larger initial outlay can mean significant savings over time.