Revolutionary wearable device to protect workforce

HEALTH & SAFTEY INNOVATION

Revolutionary wearable device to protect workforce from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

We recently upgraded our safety protocol with Reactec - a smart system featuring a wrist-worn device that automatically monitors and reports on HAVS exposure in real time.

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What is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?

Prolonged occupational exposure to hand-held vibrating tools (e.g. drills, sanders and chainsaws) poses a significant health risk to our team. It can directly result in the development of HAVS – a potentially debilitating condition where capillaries, nerves and blood vessels in the hands and arms are damaged.

This can manifest as issues like vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome and more – which can have a huge impact on sufferers’ day-to-day lives and ability to work.

What can be done to reduce HAVS risk?

HAVS is not curable but it is preventable. Prior to equipping our team with Reactec, a variety of measures were (and still are) taken to limit exposure to dangerous vibration levels.

Among these are:

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Assessments, testing & training

we invest a great deal into maintaining our tools and educating operatives

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Responsible sourcing

thorough research helps us select tools with low vibration magnitude (VM) ratings

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Exposure limit value (ELV)

calculations determine the length of time team members can safely use tools

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Other risk mitigation

using specialised gloves and regularly rotating roles helps minimise risk

However, these measures – many of which involve manual processes – aren’t watertight and can result in inaccuracies. We were determined to discover a new way to protect our workforce that, when combined with the above strategies, would put us at the very forefront of HAVS safety standards.

Introducing Reactec

With the safety and wellbeing of our team always a top priority, we turned to a ground-breaking new technology. Reactec is a smart system that integrates wearable and online elements to automate the monitoring and reporting of vibration risk.

How it works…

At the beginning of every shift, a Reactec HAVWEAR wrist monitor is issued to our team. 

It detects the tool in use and preloads VM information, which combines with actual sensed vibration data detected at the wrist.

As the day goes on, operatives accumulate points in real time based on the tool they’re using and its VM rating. 

A digital traffic light system alerts the wearer as they near their daily points limit (prompting them to take action).

At the end of the shift, the device is returned to its docking station and transmits data to a central reporting platform. 

This provides our management team with crucial information that helps us comply with 2005 EU vibration exposure regulations, as well as:

• Identify trends
• Track control measures
• Pinpoint exposure hotspots
• Intervene & offer further training

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What’s next?

The Reactec system has already greatly improved our ability to protect employees from HAVS, both directly and by supporting behavioural change. We’re currently in the process of deploying it across our entire workforce, which will further evolve our risk reduction plan. With Reactec on board, we can offer our clients complete peace of mind when it comes to HAVS exposure during their projects.


We pride ourselves on providing leading-edge solutions through innovation and collaboration. Want to see what else we’ve been working on? 

 

Need our help? Call 01323 576 900

Our team are always on hand to chat. Give us a call now to discuss your project and get a free no-obligation quote.

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Alternatively, please drop us an email at info@chaffinfencing.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.