Hand Safety - Western Sheetmetal Insulation & Asbestos Removal

Our organisation provides sheetmetal, plumbing, scaffolding and asbestos services to the petro-chemical industry. We have had a long association with such sites as Shell Refinery, Qenos and Alcoa in Victoria.

What was the issue/s at the workplace?

After a recent injury by another contractor where 20 stitches were required when a sheet of metal cut the worker on the wrist/forearm on one of the sites that we work, we identified that although gloves were a barrier to the hands there was no barrier for the wrist and forearm area even when long sleeves were worn. There was a tendency for the sleeve to ride up when working outstretched or above the head.

What did you do to control it/resolve it?

It was decided by the company that a gauntlet type protector be worn to cover the wrist/forearm when working with any metal by all employees. This safety measure was tool boxed and introduced as a further barrier to the workgroups.

Who did you talk to about the issue/s or who helped you resolve it?

Through tool box meetings and site introductions the Gauntlet type protector was introduced to the work groups referencing the recent incident and the advantages of the new safety measure. Company Director Mick Svaljek was a driving force in introducing the Gauntlets to better improve and prevent any type of similar injury to one of our employees.

What was the outcome? How is the workplace better now?

Through the introduction of the gauntlet protectors to our company and in consultation with Qenos management, they too have introduced it to their work groups and awarded the company a Safety Recognition Award from their safety team on site to Company Director Mick Svaljek for his contribution to preventative safety. All work groups within Western Sheetmetal have been supportive in the companies approach to introduce the safety measure and have all complied to the mandatory introduction of the Gauntlets when working with metal.

*Disclaimer:
The publishing of entries on the WorkSafe Awards website and or/the granting of an award does not constitute any endorsement by WorkSafe Victoria of a product, method or service, or the occupational health and safety performance of the workplace. Monthly Champions must undergo expert review to progress through to the stringent validation and judging process and can only progress to the next stage of entry once WorkSafe are satisfied that the entry/entrant has met the relevant award category criteria and terms and condition of entry.

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