Posted By Mat
You can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink.

Posted By Bob Youel

Think of the operative = poor environments [cold/wet/ windy/hot/dirty] - bonus as against a decent base pay - poor welfare - in [sometimes] very awkward ergonomic positions

Then think of the client = wants everything for nothing [in most cases]

You may find that the operative cannot undertake work in other than what seems a dangerous way because they have no alternative or they will not obey instructions. Additionally managers [in general] do not want to manage nor tackle a 'Client' hence bad practice is allowed to continue

Note that construction is a roving type of work not fixed

Then put all factors together and thereafter create a case to undertake the work differently [technical-procedure]

Not easy is it

Posted By AlB
Pneumatic jack hammers are so widespread because they're a damnsight easier and quicker to use than pick-axe and shovels, and significantly cheaper than a pneumatic hammer on the front of an excavator or JCB.

This is a tricky situation, but start off by making sure the appropriate footwear is made available. Then look at some engineering solutions, such as an attachable guide that can be fitted to the hammer and keep it steady on the ground (non-slip pads or something similar) so that the hammer does not go dancing around the place when in use.

Not the most useful of replies, but I'll keep an eye out for a solution.

Posted By Advanced Safety
Have seen contractors use a Scaffold board screwed to the concrete as a guide before. Not saying this is acceptable, just an example.

Posted By ian mcnally

Hi Phill,

Interesting one this. I’ve been too many years in construction and have pondered this problem from time to time but have never heard of an injury to the feet. Of course over the last few years we’ve all been focusing on the vibration problem and think we are making progress with this issue.

From my viewpoint any task will have an associated risk and I guess a judgement needs to be taken on what practical solution can be offered to minimise the resultant risk. For the one off small jobs no doubt a responsible contractor will have disccounted the need for a machine mounted pecker and opted to use a hand held machine (low vibration version off course)

Most breakers have farily limited distance of travel and I had always thought the likleyhood of a point or chisel penetrating (correct type of footwear) was quite small. In fact I have never heard of any serious injury being done to the foot (no doub’t this will generate a flood of emails giving examples to the contary) and understood for the most part, that once the point or chisel is engaged the foot can be moved from immediate danger and improve the workers stance.

Whlst well intentioned, I’m not too sure the practicallities of using some type of scaffold board as a guide would be of much help. I am unaware of any purpose made effective guide on the market but always willing to hear ways of improving systems of work.

To sum up, my view would be provided the operative is trained, has suitable PPE and not expected to carry out such work for long periods (machine mounted pecker should be used) then the risk asseessment should be low and therefore the method acceptable.

Had I seen numerous serious injuries then of course I would have no choice but to review the SSW.

Not sure if this helps but may generate some other input

Bset of luck


Ian