VanInsurance

Adding Accessories to a Van for Your Business

Whatever business purposes you currently use your van for, you could probably benefit from adding a few accessories to it to maximise its potential. For a truly professional workspace, the van should have an organised space for tools or equipment, be optimised for health and safety and provide a secure work environment. You may even just want to make your personal towing company van more comfortable for the amount of time you spend traveling in it!

Van Space and Security

A disorganised work space can be hazardous, especially if there are tools like hammers and screwdrivers discarded in unsecured parts of the van. It is also very difficult to locate the right tool or piece of equipment if they are just stored anywhere or in bags on the floor. Also, if you have an accident on the road, your tools and equipment may spill out on the road, representing not just an inconvenience for you, but a danger to pedestrians and other drivers. It might be useful to look into getting some shelving to secure and organise your work equipment. Specialist van shelving usually contains lockable drawers for security and has often been crash tested for durability.

As your business depends upon your van, security is of the utmost importance when looking for accessories. Theft of vans is a big concern, and although you may have insurance cover for theft or damage, you will still be greatly disadvantaged if your van is stolen, so invest in a good lock. Once your van has been stolen, it may make it more expensive to get insurance cover in the future. If you have to handle high value goods, or often have your hands full when loading or unloading your van, you may be interested in buying a slam lock. This device automatically locks when a door is shut, without having to be operated by the driver.

Business Health and Safety

Another important thing to consider when fitting out your van with accessories is health and safety. If you are the only person in your business, you are only responsible for your own health and safety. However, if you are an employer, you will be held responsible for any injuries which occur as a result of insufficient care and attention towards health and safety procedures. This is especially vital to consider because mobile workers are more at risk of injury when out and about than stationary office workers.

At the very least, you should have a first aid kit on board your van in case of smaller accidents or emergencies, particularly if the driver is going to undertake a lengthy journey, or work out of the van at another site. Another useful health and safety addition to a van is a fire extinguisher, especially if you often work with electrical items. Just make sure that you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for the hazards that you may face, for example a foam extinguisher is not suitable for putting out a fire involving cooking oil.

Another idea for adding accessories to a van for your business is to install a hot water unit for hand washing. This might be particularly useful if you deliver or distribute food from your van. Even if you do not deal with food services, this device may come in useful if you are working from a site that does not readily have facilities for washing. And finally, a fold away step might be handy to have around. They do not take up much space and are very useful if you own a van with high entry.

YOUR LEADING SOURCE FOR VAN INSURANCE