Case Study: CONSTRUCTION
BAM HS2 -BAT MITIGATION PROJECT
At a Glance
INDUSTRY: Construction
LOCATION: United Kingdom
ORGANISATION:
1 site location
200-350 people
A variety of hazards, most prominently, handling of steel rebar throughout challenging winter conditions.
CHALLENGE:
To achieve a vision of zero hand injuries.
SOLUTION:
Embed a range of gloves suited to the changing activities and environment, in tandem with establishing a culture of hand protection excellence.
- Zero hand injuries in 500,000 working hours on the project
- A very strong hand protection culture
- 100% inclusion for all the workforce
- The new Rayza RX555 was developed after uncovering an unmet need
Identifying the Problem
During 2023 we met the 200+ BAM team constructing the Sheephouse Wood Bat Protection Structure. Once complete, this unique tunnel-like structure will run for 1km alongside Sheephouse Wood in Buckinghamshire, as part of the new HS2 line.
The health and safety team there had a vision which was ‘zero hand injuries’ for this project – we were instantly aligned as partners with this common goal in mind.
The challenge for STALSEN and the BAM team was to ensure that the correct gloves were specified for each stage of the build, which required working closely together and regularly assessing the changing activities and environment whilst onsite.
It was also important that a culture of hand protection excellence was established from the start. Our #Gloveyourhands programme which embeds such a culture, needed to be designed to ensure a diverse group of operatives would have access to it.
“I like innovation and I realised that what we would need to prevent hand injuries was a good hand protection culture from the outset.”
H&S Manager
STAGE ONE OF THE BUILD
Initially, the team were working through the winter months, under challenging conditions. They experienced significant rainfall during this time. Key activities during this phase have included the installation of steel rebars which at times have been submersed in water and mud from poor weather in the valley making handling more difficult. There was also an additional requirement to rinse the soil residue off the rebars which had its own dangers.
“I’ve worked with rebar throughout my career so I’m familiar with the dangers of it. The right gloves and knowledge are essential to prevent hand injuries, especially in these challenging wet conditions.”
Technical Manager
Through the winter months the #Gloveyourhands programme and specified gloves with support from STALSEN, ensured a culture of hand safety excellence. Materials were translated into multiple languages to assist in diversity and inclusivity and site-specific safety training days were delivered, tailored to their needs.
THE OUTCOME (SO FAR)
Having reached a significant 500,000 working hours milestone, there have been zero hand injuries on the project.. “No hand injuries, not even a pinch.” During this time, the weather and conditions were treacherous, but the gloves and culture kept hand injuries at bay.
“Usually by this point in a project there have been at least a few nicks and scratches, but we have had none so far.”
Logistics Manager
STALSEN and BAM worked closely to develop a completely new glove, the Rayza RX555, a glove specifically designed for scaffolders to enhance the durability and longevity of their gloves. In addition, they also had a valuable role in the development of the Rayza RX589 impact glove, too.
“One injury in the first year is a good achievement, we are working well towards our zero hand injury goal and we are proud of what we have established here together.”
“I went to one of STALSEN’s safety training sessions, it was very good, and I’ve been in this industry a long time and I still learnt something new.”
Operative
The headlines
TALK TO US ABOUT HAND PROTECTION
Want to talk to the Stalsen team about your hand protection requirements?Call: +44 (0)1394 447090. Email: info@stalsen.com.Or complete the contact form below.