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MANUAL HANDLING & HAND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Protecting Workers by Reducing Pinch & Crush Injury

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Suppliers to the UK and international Renewable Energy Industry of products and equipment to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable Termination, Jointing, Tooling & Installation of Power Systems up to 66kV.

This article covers the introduction of a Hand Safety Measure to reduce risk and improve safety for workers in the offshore wind industry involved in both construction, operations and maintenance (O&M).

Thorne & Derrick working closely alongside a multinational power company leading the energy transition from fossil-based to renewable generation of electric power have introduced a significant improvement to industry Health & Safety.

The adoption of the innovative ShoveIt product from Hand Safety Tools will reduce hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects in offshore wind turbine nacelles. This could include manual handling activities, such as moving suspended heavy items including tooling, equipment, kit personnel bags to the work area.

Thorne & Derrick, a leading Distributor of Personal Protection & Site Safety Products, were invited to propose product recommendations to ensure a “hands-free” working procedure for turbine technicians and workers guiding suspended or hoisted loads into and out of nacelle loading hatches.

A Risk Assessment identified potential hand injury hazards relating to Pinch-Points when manoeuvring, grabbing, guiding and positioning suspended loads – the mitigation measure required adequate working length (up to 1.75m), lightweight for ease of use and allowance for a tool lanyard attachment.

As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, the importance of effective safety measures cannot be overstated. While the introduction of the ShoveIt product aims to significantly reduce hand injuries associated with the handling of suspended loads, it is essential for workers to understand their rights in the event of an injury.

If an accident occurs despite these safety enhancements, hiring an injury lawyer can be a critical step in navigating the complexities of compensation claims. Legal professionals with expertise in workplace injuries can help workers assess their situation, ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance to pursue their claims effectively.

This not only helps victims recover medical costs and lost wages but also holds employers accountable for maintaining a safe working environment. The nuances of injury claims can often be overwhelming, and having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.

Moreover, when workers seek legal representation, they can benefit from resources and expertise that streamline the claims process. Firms like the https://elsnerlawfirm.com/ specialize in personal injury cases and understand the intricacies of both state and federal workplace regulations.

By partnering with such a law firm, injured workers can ensure that they are not only advocating for their rights but also receiving the maximum compensation they deserve. This partnership is essential for navigating the often complicated aftermath of workplace accidents and can lead to a smoother path toward recovery and financial stability.

Following risk review, Thorne & Derrick submitted the ShoveIt product for field trail and evaluation over a 2 week rotation period to gather collective performance feedback from the clients team – the 72” Length Rubber Insert Shove-It Hand Safety Tool was concluded to be optimal for the safe movement of the loads.

During the product trial the No Touch Hands Free safety tool was field tested during all weather conditions to ensure its suitability, particularly in high wind and low temperature periods (affecting grip ability) when conditions for manoeuvring loads into and out of the hatch can be most difficult and dangerous.

This Hand Safety Tool is made from non-conductive materials and features a rubber insert that provides a secure grip on the load without damaging it – the lightweight design makes it easy to handle, even in windy conditions. The tool lanyard attachment allows the operator to secure the tool to their wrist or harness, reducing the risk of dropping the tool and causing an accident.

The ShoveIt tool was found to be very effective in guiding loads in and out of the Nacelle loading hatch and the client was delighted with the results – ShoveIt has now been introduced by the H&S Team into their working Method Statement to reduce hand and finger injuries to the turbine and deck crew working across Irish & North Sea assets.

External URL: https://www.powerandcables.com/avoid-hand-finger-injuries-windfarms/