Best solution to a workplace health and safety issue - Pearse Shearing
Best solution to a workplace health and safety issue - 2012 Awards
Our entry is about the measurement of the kinetic action between the shearer, sheep and the shearing plant.
As part of our brief at the shearing work station we specialise in the ergonomics with the timing and motion of this work place.
What was the issue/s at the workplace?
The issue at the workplace is the kinetic action between the shearer, sheep and the shearing plant is not working in sync, therefore the wool handling staff are shifting the wool volume from inconsistent positions.
(A). A large percentage of shearers knowledge at the moment is based on varied points for their shearing action according to personal experience.
(B). The shifting and lifting of a live weight (sheep) being organised by the shearer is out of alignment to the downtube. This is causing unnecessary load of the downtube, resulting in abnormal stress and fatigue.
(C). The shearing plants are positioned inconsistently.
What did you do to control it/resolve it?
The in shed trials done by Samson Te Whata have resulted in the design of a Shea-Rite work station template, that when taught, the shearer is able to organise the sheep with the downtube of the shearing plant, to lesson his load.
Samson Te Whata has also designed a training manual to parallel the Shea-Rite work station to both pre and post asses the shearing action of every shearer both experienced and inexperienced.
The manual, Precise Shearing Angles (PSA) is part of a range of manuals which also train improved shearer postures, improved secure sheep and improved sheep shape.
Who did you talk to about the issue/s or who helped you resolve it?
Samson Te Whata had trialled the system at different workplace sites with shearers young and old, which was highly accepted by this age range and experience of shearers.
The participation rate is high.
Samson Te Whata and his demand for excellence at the cutting edge is the driving force used at all levels of international shearing competitions and in all breeds of sheep with machine shearing.
This has been the catalyst to resolve our ability to measure the kinetic action between shearer, sheep and plant.
The Shea-Rite work station is also a guide for wool handling directives for measurable learning outcomes.
What was the outcome? How is the workplace better now?
The outcome is measurable guidelines for the workplace.
Audit reports can now assist Wool Industry partners to reach common outcomes for excellence.
With the high physical and mental demand at the workplace, the staff are able to control their environment.
The satisfaction of knowing their parameters at the cutting edge, has given confidence for improved team work.
The system participation rate is achievable.
*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.
