LEADING EDGE: NQ EDGE PROTECTION KEEPING WORKERS SAFE WITH ISUZU

[image_gallery][/image_gallery] Occupational Health & Safety in building and construction is fundamental to providing a safe workplace for those employees who work at heights, depths and every which-way in between as they build the public and private infrastructure that keeps our country going. Occupational Health & Safety in the construction industry has developed into an industry of its own, as it’s become imperative for Australian employers to provide a safe workplace. Digby Crowther is the founder and Director of NQ Edge Protection, a scaffolding, guard rail and work platform company that’s been providing safety solutions for those working at heights since 1998. NQ delivers safety equipment for thousands of Australian construction workers from its branches in Cairns, Townsville, North Brisbane, South Brisbane and Toowoomba, servicing a geographical area from the Gold Coast to the Torres Strait Islands. Digby took a moment to explain the company’s focus, “Simply, we offer the best prices, best service and best gear and that sums up what you’ve got to do to be successful in our industry,” he said. “Our standout attribute is our service though, which is why we only choose Isuzus. “They’ve never broken down, and are supported by Isuzu Service Agreements for our fleet of 11 (“soon to be 12”) Isuzu NQR long wheelbase models. “Service agreements have simplified our vehicle management,” Digby said. “It means we have a fixed price each month that we can forecast in our budgets, which assists our cash flow management, and their flexibility means we can service them at any Isuzu dealership.” The Isuzu NQR 87-190 has a GVM of 8,700 kg, 140 kW @ 2,600 rpm and an impressive 513 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm, which Digby highlighted as his favourite feature. “The torque on these trucks is excellent for their size,” he said. “Climbing hills with a full load requires minimal down shifting, and compared to other truck brands, it’s a huge advantage. “Also, we’ve noticed fuel consumption consistency irrespective of the load being carried. In other words, lightly or fully loaded, consumption is much the same. “They all have highly customised, purpose-built aluminium tray bodies to carry our edge protection systems and scaffolding equipment, which makes our day to day business more efficient. “They’re easy to drive; changing gears in the full synchronised gearbox is much like a regular car, and the turning circle is surprisingly tight. “NQ has a requirement to meet tight deadlines over most of Queensland,” Digby said. “If we don’t get to a job on time we’re going to have an unhappy customer. “Consequently, the trucks are our lifeblood, and they must perform. “If a truck broke down it would cause a major headache. “It’s a huge relief that we haven’t had a breakdown with the NQR’s since we began purchasing them three years ago. With demand for NQ’s services increasing, the size of its fleet is following suit, Digby said having surety over servicing is incredibly important for small to medium sized businesses. “It takes all the stress out of truck upkeep,” he said. “We’re assured of Isuzu’s quality of service and genuine parts and I’ve been more than satisfied with the quality of the services. “It’s a testament to the quality of both Isuzu’s trucks, and its mechanics.” Given NQ delivers safety and security for hundreds of Queensland workers every day, it’s only fitting that its own employees should have some of the safest trucks on the road. The NQR 87-190 features a vast array of modern safety technology, including a driver and passenger airbag with seatbelt pretensioner, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Anti Skid Regulator (ASR) traction control, Hill Start Assist (HSA) for manual models and the star-of-the-range Isuzu Electronic Stability Control (IESC), which can automatically detect and help correct an unexpected loss of control. “When I started NQ, I’d driven Isuzu’s before and they’d always been a reliable workhorse,” Digby said. “If one of our trucks failed in any way…” He trails off. “Well they never have, and that’s the most important thing. “That’s why we chose Isuzu’s and that’s why we chose the service agreements, because that way our trucks never stop working for us.”