Case Study: Laing O’Rourke
Laing O’Rourke Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction
At a Glance
INDUSTRY: Manufacturing
LOCATION: Worksop, UK
ORGANISATION:
1 site location
500 people
Wide spectrum of working activities and processes
CHALLENGE:
Regular hand injuries, many due to exposure to steel reinforcement bar.
SOLUTION:
A streamlined product portfolio that delivered a 65% increase in mechanical protection in tandem with implementation of the #Gloveyourhands programme.
- 87% reduction in hand injuries by year 2
- 62% reduction in consumption
- 805kg CO2 saved by waste reduction
- 100% reduction in plastic packaging waste from gloves
Identifying the Problem
When we first met our partners at Laing O’Rourke in 2022, one of our immediate observations was the wide spectrum of working activities and processes across the Laing O’Rourke Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC plant). This indicated the need for a comprehensive hand protection assessment this ensured that all our recommended STALSEN gloves would offer the best and most appropriate protection, comfort, and functionality for each working activity.
The most prominent hazard identified was the exposure to steel reinforcement bar, which was responsible for many reported hand injuries.
We uncovered that the CEMC plant would also benefit from the development of a stronger hand protection culture, particularly amongst the operatives but across the wider business too. This is a service we often recommend as it is essential in achieving hand injury reduction through adopting safer behaviours.
“The quality of the products, #GLOVEYOURHANDS campaign, online hub and the STALSEN proactive approach, from the initial discussions to tailor a plan to our ever evolving needs at CEMC were second to none.”
H&S Manager
Finding the Solution
During the assessment, we spent considerable time on the factory floor at the plant, understanding the challenges, trialling products and gaining feedback from operatives to shape a comprehensive hand protection programme that would have real benefits for the people who wear the gloves every day.
We presented a streamlined product portfolio that delivered a 65% increase in mechanical protection across the range, but also answered the challenges found when working across a wide range of environments, such as oily, wet and chemical. This programme was ‘site-specific’ for CEMC which is the key to its success.
“Whilst there is no “one size fits all” solution for each client, STALSEN’s experience built up over the construction and manufacturing industries across Europe helped shape the launch and roll out for us. They asked detailed questions, trialled numerous products, gained feedback from our operatives, then took this away and did all the work behind the scenes, checking in and keeping us updated throughout.”
H&S Manager
In tandem with specifying the site-specific range of gloves, the #Gloveyourhands programme was implemented, delivering wearer-focussed educational support materials to address mindset, attitudes and beliefs to build a culture of hand safety excellence for CEMC.
Delivering the Outcome
Since implementation, we delivered hand injury reduction with a significant increase in wearer wellbeing and feelings of safety. We delivered many other signifcant commercial benefits in waste reduction too.
“When you come in person to the factory floor, the operatives will readily come and tell you if they have hand-related issues, when ordinarily they aren’t forthcoming.”
Stores Manager
“It’s great to meet a company who are continually adapting to our changing requirements and actually want their gloves to last longer.”
Production Manager
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.