Esher 20 December 2017: Keltbray is nearing the completion of rolling out a new system, Curotec, to all of its Demolition & Civil Engineering sites, to help keep operators’ exposure to vibration equipment within safe limits.

While the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations were introduced in 2005, there are still an estimated 2 million people in the UK who are exposed to levels of vibration above the recommended limits. This puts them at risk of developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, known as HAVS or white finger; a condition which is on the increase. HAVS is a serious and debilitating condition that effects the blood vessels in the hand and arm, eventually resulting in irreversible damage if uncontrolled or monitored ineffectively.

After evaluating a number of systems to help monitor more accurately our people’s use of hand-held or hand guided powered machines, such as concrete breakers, grinders, disc cutters, hammer drills; chipping hammers and many other tools, Keltbray carried out a trial of two different systems at Chelsea Barracks and Knightsbridge: “Around 20 people at each site trialled each system for a two-week period. This was followed up with a workforce engagement evaluation. On the back of the trials and the durability, sturdiness and easy upkeep features, we decided to procure the Curotec system,” explained HSQE Advisor, Jane Wathall.

Curotec works in the form of a small personalised monitor, ‘Curo’, no bigger than a computer mouse, which clips onto the vibrating tool and records each operator’s trigger time exposure to vibration. A traffic light system then advises the user of their exposure threshold, and when the red light illuminates, it warns the operator that they have reached their maximum daily vibration limit.

“Data from the monitor is collated on a weekly basis, examined by HSQE to ensure we comply with regulations, and the records are handed over to our Human Resources department for safe keeping,” Jane continued.

Workforce Engagement Manager, Sam Taylor, has welcomed the move: “I developed HAVS after working in demolition for more than 20 years. It means that my fingers often tingle and feel numb, and that my hands hurt most days, especially in winter. Luckily, I’ve since been able to change my job role to one that prevents my condition from getting worse, but nowadays, I wear gloves wherever practical and take prescribed medication. The Curo makes it much easier to protect yourself, and I would encourage everyone to make sure they use it to avoid my experience,” Sam concluded.

After Christmas, HSQE will be tailoring the system for a wider rollout across the Group.

ENDS

More information
For more information, please contact Keltbray’s head of communications, Marit Meyer-Bell, on tel. 0786 765 3392 or by email to [email protected]

Keltbray Group
Keltbray Group is the UK’s leading specialist business, which offers engineering, construction, demolition, decommissioning, remediation, rail and environmental services. The company dates back to 1976, employs more than 1,500 people, and is a key player in developing and maintaining Britain’s built environment. Keltbray provides services to meet the needs of diverse and complex projects, and its well qualified people take pride in delivering projects safely and efficiently, on time and to budget, and with care for the environment and our communities. Keltbray has contributed to a range of high profile construction projects including The Shard, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium, St Pancras International, Crossrail, Earls Court and Battersea Power Station.