In the following article, we will share the three questions that need to be answered if you are going to find the best shovel for your food production site.

At Klipspringer, we have noticed a growing sense of confusion surrounding shovels and the options available to food production sites. This has been caused by a surge in imitations of the Authentic One-Piece Ergonomic Shovel.

From Two-Piece Shovels that have the look of a One-Piece design to One-Piece Shovels that haven’t been developed with user-experience in mind, it’s important to be aware of what to look out for.

With this in mind, we have put together a guide to finding the best shovel for your food factory – answering the following three questions:

What is the difference between a One-Piece and Two-Piece Shovel?

How do you identify an Authentic One-Piece Shovel?

Why is it so important to choose an Ergonomic One-Piece Shovel?

What is the difference between a One-Piece and Two-Piece Shovel?

Production Shovels are typically separated into two categories: One-Piece and Two-Piece.

As the name suggests, One-Piece Shovels are moulded in one piece for increased durability. Whenever equipment has a join, this area is the weakest point, more susceptible to bending or breaking. By eliminating the need for a join, One-Piece Shovels also eliminate this weak point, offering maximum strength across the full length of the shovel.

One-Piece Shovel

Two-Piece Shovel

Two-Piece Shovels are two separate pieces joined together to make one piece of equipment. As discussed, this manufacturing method results in a point of weakness that makes the shovel easier to bend or break.

However, this method is also slightly less expensive, which means Two-Piece Shovels often have a lower upfront cost. Click here to skip ahead to our honest cost comparison and to learn more about the potential long-term savings associated with One-Piece Shovels.

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How do you identify an Authentic One-Piece Shovel?

In response to the growing popularity of One-Piece Shovels, some manufacturers have started to produce Two-Piece designs that appear to be One-Piece at first glance.

To achieve this effect, they mould the first part of the shovel, then mould the second part over the top so the join isn’t visible. Unfortunately, the result is a shovel with an artificial join.

Instead of benefitting from the durability and extended lifespan of an authentic One-Piece Shovel, you could be left with a piece of equipment that is more likely to bend or break over time. This is particularly problematic for sites that handle heavy loads on a daily basis.

Example of an Authentic One-Piece Shovel

Why is it so important to choose an Ergonomic One-Piece Shovel?

Some manufacturers also supply One-Piece Shovels that do not have an Ergonomic Design.

This oversight is easy to identify once you know what to look for. In short, Ergonomic One-Piece Shovels feature a uniquely shaped handle that allows operatives to fill a complete shovel pan whilst maintaining correct posture and avoiding undue bending.

In contrast, One-Piece Shovels that haven’t been ergonomically designed have a straight handle that forces users to bend to an awkward angle. This will often result in operatives only filling half the shovel pan to avoid the pain and discomfort of crouching.

So, what are the benefits of using ergonomically designed equipment?

Safety and Morale

One of the best ways to boost morale is to equip your operatives with tools that support their comfort and safety. Not only will this result in a happier and more productive workforce, it will also reduce the risk of missing or broken equipment, as your team will have an incentive to correctly use, store, and clean the shovels that are making their lives easier.

With the right ergonomic equipment on site, you should also notice a reduction in on-site accidents and injuries, along with health and safety complaints.

Efficiency and Cost Savings

When compared to Ergonomic designs,
Non-Ergonomic One-Piece Shovels are often presented as the more cost-effective solution. However, with 2.6 million working days lost to work-related upper limb injuries*, it is important to consider the cost injured team members could have to your operation.

As mentioned above, it is also worth noting that operatives experiencing discomfort will often adapt their processes. For example, only filling half a shovel pan at a time. The cost of such inefficiencies should also be assessed.

* Findings from The Health and Safety Executive relating to 2017/18. Taken from the 2019 Labour Force Survey.
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Klipspringer has supplied food production sites with One-Piece Ergonomic Shovels for 15 years. Because of this, we have first-hand knowledge of what it takes to develop a shovel that can drive standards of hygiene and efficiency, all whilst protecting the safety and comfort of your operatives. Unfortunately, we are also familiar with the many imitations on the market, often speaking to customers who have been misled in this area.

Whether you decide to work with Klipspringer, or look elsewhere for your ideal shovel, our priority is ensuring you know what to look for – authenticity and ergonomics.

If you do have any questions about the Klipspringer One-Piece Ergonomic Shovel, you can contact us directly on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.

If you would like further guidance relating to the best shovels for your food production site, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below.