Asphalt Plant: Safer and More Efficient Rubber Handling
Ground-level bulk bag unloading solution eliminating working-at-height risks and improving asphalt plant productivity.
Problem
Rubberised pallets were being manually unloaded into a mobile mixer hopper, requiring operators to climb above the mixer and empty bags by hand. This created significant manual handling and working-at-height risks, which were formally identified as an OHS concern. A safer, more efficient ground-level process was required to remove the hazard while maintaining production throughput across multiple sites.
Solution
We supplied a bulk bag unloader fitted with bag massagers to assist the flow of difficult rubber material. A screw conveyor (ES168, 168mm diameter) was selected from extensive in-house stock to achieve the required length, inclination and throughput, with provision for lump reduction as required. Forklift slippers were incorporated to allow the unit to be easily relocated, ensuring compatibility with the mobile mixer setup. The project drew on standard equipment and in-house engineering capability across MEG Group divisions to deliver a practical, site-ready solution.


Outcome
The new system eliminated the identified OHS risk by removing the need for manual unloading at height, with all operations now performed safely at ground level. The mobile configuration allows the unit to move with the mixer from site to site, supporting operational flexibility. In addition to improving safety, the streamlined unloading process increased productivity by approximately 50%, delivering measurable performance and efficiency gains.