DESCRIPTION
During a safety workshop at Halkyn Quarry, occupational health hazards related to manual handling were discussed. The changing of the hammers on the drill rig was highlighted as it required an operator to lift and hold the hammer whilst it was being attached to the drill rig. Not only did this involve lifting a heavy object, the person holding the hammer was under the rig mast whilst the coupling took place. The workshop came up with the idea of a special rig to hold the hammers whilst fitting or disconnecting. The rig is also be used to transport the hammers to and from the workshop.
BENEFITS
• Eliminated potential for a musculoskeletal injury
• Reduced risk of hand injury during coupling operations
• Avoids risks from being under or in close proximity to the drill rig mast
• Worker involvement in finding solutions reinforces safety culture on site
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