Why is overtime often included in post-13 week calculations for workers’ comp claims?
This question is often asked when LGIS members receive the post-13 week calculation of weekly payments for workers’ compensation claims.
Regular long-term exposure to excessive HAV can disrupt a person’s circulation in their hand and forearm and cause damage to nerves, tendons, muscles, bones, and hand and arm joints.
It can occur when using hand-guided plant like powered lawnmowers and while holding materials being processed by plant. HAV is commonly experienced by people who use jack-hammers, chainsaws, grinders, drills, hedgers, and whipper snippers. Many local government workers – such as parks and garden workers – could be exposed to HAV in the course of their work.
Measuring vibration levels can be difficult and complex. The plant used should ideally provide vibration levels, but if not, a trained professional may be required to assess.
When workers report symptoms like tingling and numbness after using vibrating tools, the vibration levels may be reaching a level which could lead to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
This question is often asked when LGIS members receive the post-13 week calculation of weekly payments for workers’ compensation claims.
The LGIS member services team comprises of five dedicated account managers with a portfolio of members. This means each member has one account manager – so you know who you’re speaking to and we know your organisation.
Cybercrime is by no means new. But now, attackers are getting even more sophisticated – targeting operational technology (OT) infrastructure. From tampering with production lines to meddling with water treatment plans, these attacks can have grave consequences.
Finding the right hand protection is generally recommended for reducing long-term damage.
Anti-vibration gloves can reduce vibration components at very high frequencies (≥500Hz), especially when a low hand coupling force is applied.
Gloves may be suitable for some types of hand-held plant, but the gloves’ exposure range and axis need to be assessed against the vibration.
ANSI/ISO standard anti-vibration gloves require:
The major risk associated with the use of anti-vibration gloves is that they can give a false sense of protection against the negative effects of hand-transmitted vibration. There are also concerns over meeting the requirements of ISO 10819 // ANSI S2.73 (the international standards). Many gloves may not have been third-party tested, while even those that have been may not be adequate due to limitations in the current standards regarding testing and certification.
This all raises questions regarding the extent of protection that anti-vibration gloves provide against HAVS. It’s important to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks on a
case-by-case basis.
LGIS would not recommend the gloves as a suitable control for sustained exposure to vibration, and instead recommend other preventative controls should be implemented, so far as is reasonably practicable.
First steps in limiting exposure could include assessing the amplitude of the vibration in plant used and utilising those with the lowest output, as well as reducing total exposure time.
The following steps can help ensure control measures are in place to limit exposure to HAV in the workplace:
For further information or assistance, please contact the
LGIS injury prevention consultants Dane Casserly on 9483 8847 and James Larkin on 9483 8817 or email [email protected]
With the introduction of the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2020 (the Act), there are changes to the workplace health and safety laws in Western Australia – but what does this mean for you?
As we reflect on the year that was, we value your continued membership and we understand that one of the most significant exposures to local government is ensuring long-term reliable access to relevant and tailored risk financing and risk management support.
Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is the vibration transmitted to a person’s hand and arm when using hand-held power tools.
LGIS is the unifying name for the dedicated suite of risk financing and management services for WA local governments, established by the WA Local Government Association in conjunction with JLT Public Sector (part of the Marsh group of companies). LGIS is managed by JLT Public Sector (ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827).
Risk Matters, via this website, is designed to keep members, their staff and elected members informed on topical risk management and insurance issues and LGIS programs and services.
