How Gas Struts Improve Safety for Removalists in Victoria

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:14:06 GMT

Moving furniture is physically demanding work. Day in and day out, removalists in Victoria lift, carry, and lower heavy items, often at awkward angles and in tight spaces. This constant physical demand puts workers at real risk of injury, particularly to the back, shoulders, and joints. One tool that is changing how removal teams approach the job is the gas strut. Understanding how gas struts work and why they matter can help teams work more safely and last longer in the industry.

What Is a Gas Strut and How Does It Work?

Gas struts, also called gas springs or gas props, are sealed cylindrical devices that use pressurised inert gas, usually nitrogen, to generate controlled force. That force is what makes lifting, holding, and lowering heavy loads far more manageable.

These devices consist of a sealed cylinder filled with compressed gas and a piston that moves within the cylinder. When force is applied to the piston, it compresses the gas, storing energy. This stored energy is released when the force is removed, allowing the gas strut to extend and support the weight of the component it is installed on. The gas strut acts as a reliable and adjustable support system, counterbalancing the weight and providing effortless lifting and controlled closing motions.

In plain terms: the gas does the hard work so the person does not have to.

Why Safety Matters So Much for Removalists in Victoria

Manual handling injuries are a serious concern in Victoria's working environment. Hazardous manual handling is the biggest cause of workplace injuries in Victoria, with WorkSafe accepting 48,355 injury claims since 2021. More than 60 per cent of these injuries were musculoskeletal disorders such as sprains, strains, back injuries, soft tissue injuries, hernias, and chronic pain.

On average, about 26 workers are injured because of hazardous manual handling every single day across Victoria, and no sector is immune. For movers, who regularly handle bulky furniture, appliances, and boxes, that risk is especially present.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, the most common injuries related to manual lifting, as shown by injury claims, are: back injuries at 48%, covering muscle strain and disc injury from lifting objects; shoulder injuries at 17% from lifting and repetitively handling objects; abdominal injuries at 16% from heavy or awkward lifting; and arm injuries at 8%.

These are not minor issues. They can take workers off the job for weeks, months, or longer.

The Physical Demands Placed on Removal Teams

Where work requires lifting and lowering, pushing and pulling, or moving something or someone, that job requires manual handling. Manual handling requires a worker to use their body to handle goods. Sometimes this is unavoidable, such as when a removalist needs to move furniture.

Removalists face this reality constantly. They work across a wide variety of settings, from narrow inner-city apartments to large country homes, carrying everything from delicate antiques to heavy appliances.

How Gas Struts Support Controlled Lifting and Movement

The key benefit gas struts provide is control. Instead of a sudden, unguided force, the movement of heavy objects becomes smooth and predictable.

Furniture gas springs reduce manual effort and prevent sudden drops. This is important in a moving context, where a dropped item can mean injury to a worker, damage to the client's property, or both.

Gas struts provide controlled and smooth movements, preventing sudden jolts or slamming. This not only ensures user safety but also extends the lifespan of furniture by reducing wear and tear.

Reducing the Force Required to Lift

One of the clearest advantages gas struts offer is the reduction in physical force needed to move heavy objects. Gas struts reduce the force needed to lift and lower furniture by 70 to 90 per cent.

Furniture gas struts significantly improve how removalists interact with your furniture by reducing physical effort and providing controlled motion. Cabinet doors equipped with gas spring assistance open smoothly even when fully loaded with dishes or supplies. Storage ottoman lids lift effortlessly, eliminating strain on backs and arms during access.

For a removalist team ,this kind of assistance across an entire day's work adds up to a meaningful reduction in physical load and fatigue.

Preventing Sudden Drops and Uncontrolled Movement

A sudden drop or uncontrolled swing of a heavy piece of furniture is a leading cause of injury on removal jobs. Gas struts address this directly.

Unlike coil springs, which squeak and rebound abruptly, or loose hinges, which let lids slam, gas struts use oil-damped gas flow to deliver slow, controlled closing that prevents fingers from being pinched and protects furniture from impact damage.

Gas struts provide smooth, controlled lifting and holding for truck and workshop tool boxes. They reduce effort, prevent sudden closure, and improve safety during use. On removal trucks, this same principle applies to storage compartment lids and tailgate panels that crew members access repeatedly throughout the day.

Locking Gas Struts for Held Positions

Some gas struts offer a locking function, which is particularly useful for removalists where items need to be held in position while workers reposition themselves.

Safety locking shroud gas springs automatically engage when the spring is fully extended and prevent the spring from compressing. This protects the operator from potential injury in the event of overload, misuse, or loss of gas pressure.

Blocklift gas springs allow the application to be locked in position at any point along the stroke length. Blocklift gas struts can be rigid or spring-blocking types. Spring-blocking allows slight movement under load, whereas rigid types do not. Blocklift gas springs have many different uses where infinite control of the position of the application is required.

Where Movers Use Gas Struts on the Job

Gas struts are not limited to one area of a removal service . They appear across the equipment and furniture that removal teams handle every day.

Removal Truck Compartments and Tailgates

Gas struts provide a direct support mechanism for safely lifting, lowering, repositioning, and counterbalancing different weights. They are used in various industries and applications. On removal vehicles, they are often fitted to tailgates, roof hatches, and side panel doors. This means crew members can open and close these compartments safely, even when their hands are occupied or when working in tight spaces.

Furniture With Built-In Gas Struts

Many modern furniture pieces that removalists handle already include gas struts as part of their design. They are widely used in beds, cabinets, windows, and speciality furniture.

When a mover understands how these mechanisms work, they can handle the furniture safely and avoid accidentally triggering a sudden release of pressure. This knowledge protects both the workers and the client's belongings.

Equipment Storage and Tool Access

Tool box struts provide smooth, controlled lifting and holding for truck and workshop tool boxes. They reduce effort, prevent sudden closure, and improve safety during use. Designed for durability, corrosion resistance, and long cycle life, these gas springs ensure reliable performance for heavy-duty applications.

For movers who access tools and equipment from vehicle-mounted storage throughout the day, gas struts on tool box lids mean one less point of physical strain during a long shift.

What to Look for in a Quality Gas Strut

Not all gas struts are created equal, and selecting the right one for an application matters for both safety and longevity.

Gas struts are commonly used to assist lifting or support the weight of lids, panels, and doors in furniture, vehicles, machinery, and outdoor equipment. Selecting the right type ensures smooth movement for removalists, safe operation, and a longer service life.

Key factors to consider include:

Force rating relative to the weight of the object being lifted.
Stroke length to match the travel distance of the application.
Material quality, particularly for outdoor or high-use environments.
Whether a locking mechanism is needed for held positions.

Furniture gas struts must meet safety standards and quality requirements to ensure reliable performance in residential and commercial environments.

The life expectancy of a gas strut typically ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 cycles, depending on factors like quality, usage, environmental conditions, and maintenance. Frequent use, extreme temperatures, or exposure to contaminants can reduce lifespan. Regular inspections and proper installation can help maximise longevity.

Broader Workplace Safety Obligations in Victoria

Beyond the physical benefits of gas struts, there are broader obligations that employers in Victoria must meet when it comes to manual handling risk.

You must use the highest amount of risk control in the hierarchy of controls, so far as reasonably practicable. The best control will always be to eliminate the risk. This means preventing employees from doing hazardous manual handling at all, if you can. If you cannot eliminate the risk, then you must change the workplace to lower the risk.

Providing appropriate mechanical aids and equipment to control the risk of manual handling is a key step. Ensuring mechanical aids and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications is equally important.

Gas struts are one such mechanical aid. When properly selected, installed, and maintained, they form part of a broader approach to keeping workers safer over the long term.

What Removalists and Their Teams Can Do Now

Teams do not need to overhaul everything at once. Small steps towards safer lifting and movement practices can make a genuine difference. Consider the following:

Audit the equipment used daily, including truck compartments and tool storage, to identify where gas struts could reduce strain.
Check existing gas struts on equipment for signs of wear, such as loss of force or uneven movement.
When handling furniture that contains gas struts, brief team members on how the mechanism works before lifting begins.
Replace worn struts promptly rather than working around them.
Pair gas strut use with other mechanical aids and safe work procedures as part of a complete risk management approach.

Training employees on safe handling methods and how to safely use mechanical aids and equipment is also an important part of reducing injury risk.

Keeping these practices consistent means a mover can continue doing demanding physical work without paying for it with long-term injury.

Move Safely With Thompson Removals Today

For professional removalists looking to move safely and efficiently, Thompson Removals brings decades of experience and a commitment to careful, professional handling on every job. If you are planning a residential or commercial move anywhere across Victoria, get in touch with the team directly on (03) 5561 1734 to discuss your requirements.

Expert Tips for Stress-Free Moves

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:52:35 GMT

Expert Tips for Stress-Free Moves: Victoria's Best Removalists Services Revealed

Moving can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and the help of professional removalists in Victoria, the process can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you are planning a move in Victoria or just looking for general moving advice, this article will provide you with valuable insights to make your next move a breeze.

Planning Ahead is Key

One of the most crucial steps in ensuring a stress-free move is proper planning. Start by creating a moving checklist that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before, during, and after the move. This will help you stay organized and on track throughout the moving process. Additionally, it's essential to book reliable removalists services in Victoria well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

Researching Removalists Services in Victoria

When it comes to choosing a removalist company in Victoria, it's essential to do your research. Look for removalists that are reputable, experienced, and offer a range of services to meet your specific needs. Reading online reviews and asking for recommendations from friends and family can help you narrow down your options and find the best removalists services in Victoria for your move.

Packing Like a Pro

Proper packing is key to ensuring that your belongings arrive at your new home safely and in one piece. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings before you begin packing. Use quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to protect fragile items during transit. Labeling boxes with the contents and the room they belong to will make unpacking a breeze once you arrive at your new home.

Hiring Professional Packing Services

If the thought of packing all your belongings is overwhelming, consider hiring professional packing services from your chosen removalists in Victoria. Professional packers have the expertise and tools to pack your items efficiently and securely, saving you time and reducing the stress of packing for your move.

Managing Moving Day

On the day of your move, it's essential to have a plan in place to ensure everything goes smoothly. Make sure to communicate with your removalists services in Victoria regarding any specific instructions or requirements you may have. Keep essential items such as important documents, medications, and valuables with you during the move to have easy access to them when needed.

Unpacking and Settling In

Once you arrive at your new home, the unpacking process begins. Take your time unpacking and organizing your belongings to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with essentials such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen supplies to make your first few days in your new home comfortable. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from your removalists in Victoria if you need help with heavy lifting or furniture assembly.

Are you planning a move in Victoria and looking for reliable removalists services? Request a quote from Thompson Removals today to experience a stress-free and seamless moving process. Visit our website to get started on your next move!

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