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#1 Posted : 16 August 2007 08:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stu Haysman
In my workplace (engineering), cuts to the hand or finger represent around 75% of reported accidents. The split is roughly equal between blades and burrs or swarf. Exposure to blades and sharp edges has already been eliminated or reduced as far as possible. We have also trained operatives accordingly and publicised the correct use of blades.

We have introduced cut resistant gloves, but operators refuse to wear them for various reasons. These mostly center around a perceived lack of dexterity (although we have proved to them by demonstration that the tasks are no slower with gloves than without).

Management are happy to accept these accidents as 'an expected part of the industry' - I am not however!

Does anybody have any suggestions on how I might overcome this glove-phobia?

Fearing for my accident rates......

Stu
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#2 Posted : 16 August 2007 09:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By Chris Packham
Stu

One possibility might be to provide them with gloves where the finger tips are missing. (You can actually buy these.) This completely eliminates the argument over dexterity. I have found these work well for many areas, but, since I have no first hand knowledge of your particular operation, you would need to ensure that they are suitable. If most of the cuts are to the finger tips, then they would not be appropriate, but if the cuts are generally to other parts of the hand then a trial might be helpful. At least it would show you are trying to solve their problem.

Chris
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#3 Posted : 16 August 2007 10:43:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Behavioural safety at its simplest : be extra nice to those wearing gloves, be a bit more sniffy and less cooperative with those that dont.

This also works with managers who don't agree with you.

Merv
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#4 Posted : 16 August 2007 14:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jim Walker
Stu,

Can I assume you have done all you can to eliminate the cut hazards and the gloves are mearly to control residual risk?

Can i also assume no one operated machinery with rotating shafts wearing gloves?

Can I assume the workforce had a say in the chioce of gloves to be used?

Assuming yes then do a Merv says.
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