Sheet metal manufacturer slashes cut injuries

For more than 60 years, West Australian manufacturer Kounis Metal Industries has been supplying sheet metal products for mining and commercial construction projects.

Central to the company’s success has been the special emphasis it places on safety. “Occupational health and safety is integral to our vision and values,” said safety consultant for Kounis Jennifer Butler.  “We have more than 150 operators working in fabrication and electrical assembly, and in the fit shops, paint shop, despatch and transport areas - so safety is always our top priority.

“We work with sharp objects and hazardous substances so protection against cut and piercing injuries and chemical exposure is critical. Choosing the correct PPE for each task is essential and we’re grateful for the guidance provided by Ansell in this area.

“We also came up with a photo-based matrix to help workers, supervisors and managers quickly pinpoint the appropriate PPE for each task, and to easily understand how to use each item. Visual displays are more meaningful than theory. They save valuable time and they also help when there is a language barrier,” said Butler.

The company uses the Ansell HyFlex 11-624 for warehouse work. It offers (ANSI 2) cut resistance for handling sharp objects and provides a bare-hand like sensation for workers operating machinery and equipment. The tight fit is essential for avoiding entanglement within machine areas. It also provides good dexterity, comfort and breathability.

The Ansell ChemTek 38-514 is used for weld cure as it provides good resistance to the most aggressive chemicals without compromising dexterity or comfort. It also has that extra-long-length hand protection and less risk of allergies due to the absence of latex. It also uses Ansell’s AlphaTec 58-530 and AlphaTec 58-535 for good grip and chemical resistance, especially on oily surfaces.

The Ansell ActivArmr 97-001 Electrician Gloves are used in electrical assembly areas because it provides full protection against wire punctures, cuts and abrasions.

“We decided to use Ansell gloves throughout our operation after conducting extensive field trials and evaluating staff feedback,” said Butler. This collaborative approach has reportedly led to a 50% reduction in cut injuries. “Our main focus is the ease with which our workers can use the PPE. If it’s easy to use, they’ll use it properly and keep using it,” she concluded.