The K-9 Kube – a hydraulic lifter that safely loads and transports animals from ground level onto a transport vehicle – won the WorkSafe Award for Best Solution to a Workplace Health and Safety Issue in October.
The innovative device was designed by Swan Hill Rural City Council and local Swan Hill business CJM Attachments.
Regulatory Services Manager Harold Rovere said Council, together with CJM Attachments, was thrilled that the K-9 Kube received the award.
“It was truly a great honour to be recognised at the WorkSafe Awards and the K-9 Kube has certainly revolutionised the Occupational Health and Safety for our authorised officers who handle dogs and other animals,” he said.
“What’s more, this invention is a great example of how Local Government and business can work together to achieve a positive outcome for both industry and the community.”
“Swan Hill Rural City Council is already using two of these animal-friendly devices, which eliminates the lift and bite risk and enables officers to handle animals in the safest possible way – reducing stress on both the operator/handler and the animal,” he said.
Manager of CJM Attachments Chris Monk said it was terrific that a local Swan Hill invention had been recognised on a state wide scale.
“This award demonstrates what small, regionally based businesses can achieve and it is great that as a local business we have been able to work with Council to produce a device that will have a positive impact on the day-to-day safety of officers implementing local laws,” he said.
Swan Hill Rural City Council Director Development and Planning Leanne Mulcahy praised the level of innovation from Council staff and CJM Attachments in finding a solution to a problem they saw in the workplace.
“Both the regulatory services team and CJM Attachments worked tirelessly to come up with this solution and didn’t let any barriers get in the way.
“Together they sought solutions to any difficulties during the K-9 Kube’s development and, on top of their other duties, oversaw the whole process from design right through to the finished product,” she said.
“This demonstrates the strong commitment from our regulatory services team and CJM Attachments, and is great credit to all involved.
Swan Hill Rural City Council, together with other Local Governments, are now benefitting from this fantastic commitment and innovation.”
For more information regarding the K-9 Kube, please contact CJM Attachments on (03) 5032 9329.
