Our hands are one of the most important parts of our body. A complex relationship between tendons, bones, tissue and nerves enables us to perform a wide variety of tasks, from drinking and writing to lifting and carrying.
Working in the electrical industry requires us to use our hands most of the time and we must actively protect them.
A serious hand injury can result in devastating long-term consequences that not only affect how and if you can continue to work, but can negatively impact on many other areas of your personal life.
In 2023, 40% of EGT apprentice injuries were hand injuries. 60% of these injuries were caused by lacerations.
Gloves are an effective way to protect your hands and wrists from cuts, abrasions, burns and irritants. They are your last line of defence to keep your hands out of harm’s way.
75% of EGT's 2023 apprentice laceration injuries occurred when the apprentice was not wearing gloves.
EGT supplies you with a pair of most commonly used gloves as part of your PPE.
As an EGT apprentice, you are required to always wear the correct gloves for the task at hand. This may require you to ask your host employer for alternative gloves, depending on the task.
While employed by EGT, you are subject to a range of policies and procedures, including the “Apprentice Disciplinary Procedure”. This procedure allows EGT to issue you with a verbal warning if you fail to wear the uniform and/or PPE.
If you are injured in the workplace or involved in a workplace incident and you have not complied with an EGT, host employer or site safety rule, procedure or policy, you will receive a written warning, at a minimum.
Unfortunately, EGT’s gloves requiremient has not been followed by some apprentices and in the last 12 months, 9 apprentices have received disciplinary action for not wearing gloves.
Feedback
For further information regarding this Safety Alert, please contact EGT on (08) 6241 6100 or speak with your Field Officer.
