// HEAT STRESS IS A HOT TOPIC
Keep workers safe & cool with PPE that can breathe.
// BUILDING A FIRST AID COMMUNITY Putting first aid first.
// CONNECT WITH A BLACKWOODS TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST SEE PAGE 27 Edition 6 / October 2023
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06 10 14 22 PUTTING FIRST AID FIRST
HEAT STRESS IS A HOT TOPIC
Blackwoods First Aid First initiative, has made a big impact on our Return & Recovery at Work System and how we support our injured workers.
In Australia, heat stress is a key issue facing workers. It’s essential that employers take all possible measures to protect their employees.
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Safety Spotlight
TAKING CHARGE OF BATTERY STORAGE
Storemasta’s lithium-ion battery charging and storage Cabinets are the most effective method of mitigating risk with Li-ion Batteries.
BALANCE BETWEEN COMFORT & SAFETY
PPE is the last line of defence to protect workers from hazards. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right PPE for the job and environment.
Edition 6 / October 2023
SECURING SHUTDOWN SAFETY Having a detailed and robust LockoutTagout (LOTO) system leaves nothing to chance and mitigates the risk of accidents and injuries during maintenance activities. Planned site shutdowns are a critical activity allowing you to conduct essential maintenance, inspections, equipment repair or replacement, so that your plant and equipment continues to operate without issue for the rest of the year. Shutdowns can be complex projects involving a large number of employees and contractors. With new people on site, an efficient shutdown operation and a specific LOTO system with fitfor-purpose equipment, are critical to ensure that workers are protected.
LOTO IS NOT AN OPTION LOTO systems are put in place to make sure dangerous machines and energy sources are properly shut off and isolated, so they aren’t able to be restarted until any necessary maintenance or repair work is completed. But they also protect your equipment from workers causing unintentional damage or accidentally changing critical settings. Plus, they’re a legal requirement under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, so are necessary to keep your business compliant. With all the complexities of a site shutdown, LOTO systems may seem time-consuming and a hassle. If you don’t give them the attention they require, any incidents that occur could land you in hot water.
SITE-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS With the help of Master Lock and Mayo Hardware, your team can stay safe and compliant, and you can save valuable time in the process. Covering everything from the humble safety padlock to custom-built solutions and processes, you’ll get customised, efficient and industry-leading isolation solutions without the hassle. With Mayo Hardware’s SafeSite Program, safety professionals come onsite to conduct a personalised site assessment and review, and work with you to sharpen your LOTO procedures. They then provide all the necessary equipment from safety padlocks, tags and hasps to electrical, valve, pneumatic, wheel and multi-point lockouts and isolation point labelling, as well as being available to conduct ongoing postimplementation ‘health checks’. “We understand the serious nature of a Shutdown as any delay can cause significant problems with business operations and continuity. As such, forward planning is essential to mitigate delays & ensure onsite compliance to LOTO procedures,” says Paul McGregor of Mayo Hardware. Fortune favours the prepared. Trusting the professionals with your LOTO solutions means you’ll get the most out of your next shutdown and won’t be relying on luck to secure worker safety.
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BREATHE EASY WITH THE RIGHT PROTECTION
CHOOSING RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RPE) THAT’S FIT FOR PURPOSE We all know that when working in construction, mining, oil and gas, and many other industries, the air workers breathe potentially contains hazards if you don’t take the correct precautions. Organic vapours, harmful particles like silica, asbestos or lead dust, acid gas and vapours can all wreak havoc on worker health if inhaled and can lead to some potentially fatal illnesses. According to a 2022 study commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), approximately 584,050 Australian workers were exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the workplace that year*. The report predicted that around 10,390 of those workers are likely to develop lung cancer as a direct result of exposure to silica dust. That’s why it’s vital to have the correct respiratory protective equipment to keep your workers safe. But RPE ranges from the humble disposable face mask to supplied air respirators complete with their own air cylinder, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. And there’s no point kitting your crew in a full hazmat suit when a more workable level of protection is appropriate.
WHICH AIR SYSTEM SHOULD YOU USE? A Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) should not be used in circumstances where the air has unknown contaminants, is oxygen deficient, can’t be filtered or is harmful to life and health. Where these factors are not present, PAPRs may be suitable as they provide a high level of respiratory protection and a continuous flow of clean air to the wearer.
TR-300+ TR-600 TR-800
PAPRs can be fitted with different filters or cartridges to provide protection from various contaminants, including: • • • • • •
Particulate matter such as dust, silica, and pollen Biological agents such as bacteria and viruses Chemical vapours, gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Particulate matter in Smoke and fire particles Pesticides and agricultural contaminants Acid gas and vapours
Remember, it’s important to change these filters regularly according to your established filter change schedule to maintain ongoing protection. *Source: The future burden of lung cancer and silicosis from occupational silica exposure in Australia: A preliminary analysis. Report commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), April 2022.
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Safety Spotlight
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Edition 6 / October 2023
DREW DAUNCEY TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC/TAS
3M PAPRs TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS 3M offers a range of PAPRs and filters depending on the hazards you’re faced with. For example, TR-300+ are best for dust applications including silica. TR-600 work well for chemical and pharmaceutical industries with multiple hazards of particulates and gas/vapours, and the TR-800 are suitable for intrinsically safe environments. 3M’s PAPRs range from PAPR-P3 particulate filters only to Intrinsically Safe motor/blowers with P3 particulate filters as well as multiple chemical gas cartridges. The folks at 3M can help you select the right RPE for your needs. 3M offers a range of ready-to-go PAPR kits. • F ull facepieces for asbestos, silica and dust applications • Half and full hood head tops ideal for chemical and pharmaceutical industry • Helmets and face shields ideal for construction, mining, silica and welding applications TR-300+
From starting out with Protector Safety Supply in 1998, Drew Dauncey quickly rose through the ranks to become a Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist renowned for his breadth of knowledge, especially in gas detectors, height safety, respiratory, and fireretardant workwear. A respected Team Leader for the Southern region of Australia, Drew specialises in providing technical and product support in all aspects of personalised protective equipment (PPE) to customers and sales teams. Drew is known for his friendly demeanour and infamous dad jokes. Beyond his role as an advisor, he’s also an influential member of safety committees for large customer operations, offering expertise in the latest technologies and safety innovations. Though dedicated to his job, Drew knows how to shift gears. A nature enthusiast at heart, he enjoys spending time on Melbourne’s beaches. He and his wife have also recently ventured into campervanning, where they can get into nature ‘with our outdoorsy kids’
24YRS
“Other benefits of PAPRs are that they can reduce heat stress and user fatigue by having air constantly blowing around the wearer’s face. Plus, you have the added benefit that they can provide multi-hazard personal protective equipment (PPE) to act as a hard hat, face/ eye, respiratory and hearing protection all in one with certain head tops,” says Sanya Kranenburg of 3M Personal Safety Division. “They’re available as loose-fitting hoods or tight-fitting facepieces and they have protection factors up to 100+. For loose fitting head tops on PAPRs, fit testing is not required reducing time off the job and costs compared to tight fitting facepieces. There is also a range of PAPR accessories available like PAPR covers, backpacks, visor peel offs etc.” Breathing is a basic human need, and it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Let your workers breathe easy by investing in the right RPE for the job.
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PUTTING FIRST AID FIRST EARLY INTERVENTION & RECOVERY At Blackwoods, workplace safety is at the heart of everything we do. We work hard to ensure every one of our team members arrives at work safely in the morning and gets home in a safe condition at the end of the day. But workplace injuries are sometimes unavoidable. Whilst we would like to avoid all injuries in the workplace, we do need to have a plan when they happen. Blackwoods would like to share our First Aid First initiative, which has made a big impact on our Return & Recovery at Work System, and how we support our injured workers.
EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY
FIRST AID FIRST TOOLS
In 2021, we conducted a review of our workplace injuries. Because our team carries out manual tasks daily, our most common forms of workplace injuries are sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries to the back, shoulder, wrist and ankle.
We empowered our First Aid team by looking at the top five workplace injuries and developing Injury Profiles for them. We branded them with the ‘First Aid First’ catchphrase, together with the Blackwoods logo, so they would be easily identifiable. Each profile covers a singular common injury type, and provides information on signs and symptoms, causes, recommended First Aid, dealing with pain, tips and suggestions, as well as expected recovery timeframes.
We know that these types of injuries can be successfully treated by our trained First Aiders we have at each of our locations. Through this program we found that our first responders only attend First Aid training every three years, and in some case when they were faced with an actual incident, treatment strategies were not easy to recall. We saw that a robust early intervention and recovery program within the workplace, could have a positive impact on our team members and business, and could greatly reduce the need for visits to medical professionals. What was needed, was an easily accessible program that regularly reinforced the basic principles of First Aid, and that offered clear and concise information at a critical moment. By undertaking internal support training for our 170 First Aid officers, we have increased their confidence and ability to treat and monitor many soft tissue injuries in-house. This resulted in our team members not having to navigate the medical system and Workers Compensation.
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Safety Spotlight
We then set up First Aid notice boards in our various locations, showcasing our First Aid officers onsite as well as the Injury Profiles, which we continuously expand on based on feedback from our team. To reinforce our commitment to early intervention, we deliver yearly internal frontline leader Injury Management training, so that leaders are also comfortable with our First Aid First approach and how they can support.
Lastly, we’ve introduced lanyards with a 3-step quick reference guide to dealing with a workplace injury. Amanda Haddad, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Blackwoods notes, “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a notable improvement in our injured team members recovery rates and a decrease in Workers Compensation claims. It is great to receive positive feedback from our injured team members, who’ve felt supported and cared for during their recovery. I am very proud of the confidence and momentum we have built within our First Aider community and what this program brings to our employee value proposition.”
Our First Aid First community is also supported through quarterly newsletters and live learning events, hosted by internal and external experienced guest speakers. We’ve seen great results, as they give our staff an opportunity to discuss injury situations and to take them from merely a theoretical possibility in a textbook, to real-life experiences from longstanding First Aiders.
Edition 6 / October 2023
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There are some professions where working at extreme temperatures is just part and parcel of your daily grind. If you work in industries like smelting, welding, metal fabrication or emergency services, you’ll know that extreme climates, flying sparks, molten metal splashes, radiant heat, explosions or backdrafts are just hazards that come with the job. For these professions, equipping yourself with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) that can take the heat is critical.
// TOO HOT TO TROT?
HEAT-RESISTANT FOOTWEAR TO PROTECT YOUR SOLE
When it comes to footwear, adequate external protection from these elements, as well as a tough and melt-proof sole to provide slip resistance and stability, are a basic requirement. But you also need to protect your feet on the inside of the boot. Without breathable footwear, you have the danger of chafing, developing heat blisters, skin infections and foot swelling. That’s why it’s so important to choose fit-for-purpose boots that can stand up to extreme heat while offering comfort and airflow. A partner of Blackwoods, Oliver has been making it their business to produce high-quality safety footwear since 1887. Oliver’s range of speciality boots is specifically designed to withstand temperatures of up to 300⁰C surface contact. Oliver’s 55-380 and 55-346 boots from the iconic AT 55 Series are built to survive the fiercest elements, with waterresistant, full grain leather and heavy-duty Kevlar™ stitching. But they also come with a range of features to provide optimum comfort and foot health, including a COOLstep® lining to absorb moisture and odour for freshness and hygiene; COMFORTcushion® Impact Absorption for cushioning and shock absorption; Oliver SOFTstride® opencell low-density urethane foam to contour to the individual foot shape; Lightweight shock absorbing polyurethane midsole support; NATUREform® Type 1 Toe Cap with a wider profile and latex toe cap liner for added comfort. “We recognise workers’ feet can take the brunt of extreme temperatures, as they’re constantly on the ground. We look to not only provide greater comfort, but ensure workers use the right footwear that’s fit-for-purpose,” says Brett Huggins, Product Development Manager, Oliver Footwear. When you work at extreme temperatures, you need to be focused on the task as any distraction could prove disastrous. Getting the best footwear for the job is a step in the right direction for keeping comfortable and staying safe.
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Safety Spotlight
Edition 6 / October 2023
BURNS CAN HAPPEN IN A FLASH FIRE-RETARDANT CLOTHING MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE
When it comes to arc flashes and electrical fires, there’s often no time to react. An arc flash happens when an electric current travels through the air between a conductor and the ground, or between two conductors, resulting in an explosion of light, heat, sound and force. This can happen in a fraction of a second and the arc can reach temperatures exceeding 19,000°C. In Australia, more than 2,000 people a year are admitted to burn centres with severe arc fault burns. In the unfortunate event that one occurs, protective fire-retardant clothing is your first line of defence against burns, and may make the difference between life and death.
WHAT IS AN ARC RATING? The heat energy of an electric arc is measured in calories. An Arc Thermal Protection Value Rating (ATPV Rating) or Arc Rating is based on the amount of energy (measured in cal/cm2) that a material can absorb if exposed to an electric arc before there is a 50% probability of a seconddegree skin burn injury. So, the higher the Arc rating, the greater protection your clothing will give you.
CLOTHING THAT CAN STAND THE HEAT KingGee’s recently released Lenzing range sets a new standard in ultra-lightweight, fireretardant protective clothing. Woven with a special Lenzing fabric, it allows breathability, movement and moulds to your body, while providing PPE2 rate protection.
PPE CATEGORY 1
PPE CATEGORY 2
Minimum Arc Rating of 4 CAL/cm
Minimum Arc Rating of 8 CAL/cm2
Arc Rated Clothing: • AR long sleeve shirt and pants, or AR coverall • AR face shield, or AR flash suit hood • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
Arc Rated Clothing: • AR long sleeve shirt and pants, or AR coverall • AR flash suit hood, or AR face shield and AR balaclava • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
PPE CATEGORY 3
PPE CATEGORY 4
2
2
Minimum Arc Rating of 25 CAL/cm
Minimum Arc Rating of 40 CAL/cm2
Arc Rated Clothing: • AR required: AR long sleeve shirt, AR pants, AR coverall, AR flash suit jacket, and/or AR flash suit pants • AR flash suit hood • AR gloves • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
Arc Rated Clothing: • AR required: AR long sleeve shirt, AR pants, AR coverall, AR flash suit jacket, and/or AR flash suit pants • AR flash suit hood • AR gloves • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
Peter Allery, National Sales Manager of the Workwear Group, notes, “While the requirement for a PPE2 rating is an 8 CAL Arc rating, this line has surpassed this number and boasts a 10 CAL rating, offering that extra bit of protection when you need it most.” With the sudden violent force an arc flash can have, you can’t afford to cut corners on safety. An investment in comfortable, fire-retardant clothing that can take the heat is essential to keep your crew safe and may even save a life.
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HEAT STRESS IS A HOT TOPIC KEEP WORKERS SAFE & COOL WITH PPE THAT CAN BREATHE Stress comes in many forms, yet we often don’t appreciate the stress the environment and temperature can cause in our bodies. In Australia, heat stress is a key issue facing workers. When a person is exposed to a high-heat environment for an extended period without the proper cooling mechanisms, they experience heat stress. This leads to changes in electrolyte levels, dehydration and a raised core temperature, which can cause heat rash, heat cramps, dizziness and fainting, heat exhaustion and in the worst-case scenario, heat stroke – a condition that can be fatal. Not only does heat stress wreak havoc on employee health but it can also lose businesses a lot of time and money. In Australia, in one year, the cost of productivity loss due to climate-related heat stress was an estimated $6 billion dollars, with workers losing over 67,500 potential work hours. While we can’t always control the working environment, it’s essential that employers take all possible measures to protect their employees. Workers exposed to temperatures of 30°C of heat and or humidity must have a heat stress management plan. One contributor that exacerbates heat stress is wearing clothing, footwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with limited breathability, which is why it is so important to invest in fit-for-purpose PPE. “In some cases, wearing clothing, footwear and PPE with inadequate breathability may increase workers heat stress risks, greater than the protection the PPE provides. Footwear has the greatest impact on physiological demand compared to other workwear and PPE, due to the weight and rigidity increasing muscle activity and therefore heat production,” says Dr Caleb Wegener, Director of Product Management, uvex Safety.
“uvex research and development teams have used scientific data on human heat generation, dissipation, and material science to try and improve heat stress outcomes for workers.” The innovative uvex climazone is a wholistic product system that uses a combinations of product design elements, high breathability and moisture wicking materials to optimise breathability and airflow within their PPE. The uvex x-flow work boots have been specifically designed for the hot Australian work climates. The uvex x-flow footwear is designed based on the anatomical sweat profiles of the foot and ankle to maximise moisture transfer. The uvex x-flow materials and manufacturing techniques maximises internal airflow and footwear breathability to help keep workers cool. The uvex climazone technologies result in the uvex x-flow footwear being 15% more breathable in laboratory testing which translates to a 38% improvement in perceived breathability compared to the workers existing footwear in hot climates. The uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® cut protection glove range includes natural bamboo fibres that have exceptional moisture absorption properties compared to typical synthetic materials used in cut resistant gloves. The blend of fibres and weave characteristics help assist in moisture management in hot working environments. The uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® gloves provide a comfortable, breathable and high levels of moisture absorption with level D cut-resistance making them suitable for hot work environments. Equipping your team with the right PPE will ensure they stay as safe, comfortable, productive as possible on the job site, and will give you one less thing to stress about.
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Safety Spotlight
Edition 6 / October 2023
RINSING OFF RISK Chemical splashes, workplace dust and debris can cause serious injury to the eyes, face and skin. Emergency safety showers, eye/face wash and eyewash units deliver essential first aid in the event of an emergency exposure to dangerous chemicals and liquids. For most industrial work sites including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and construction, exposure to dangerous substances is a constant risk. Chemicals in the eye or on the skin can cause serious damage within seconds, so immediate action and rapid response is likely to mean the difference between a minor incident and permanent disability or worse! Industrial safety showers and eye/face wash stations provide fast, immediate, and effective decontamination following exposure to dangerous substances. That’s why they’re so vital in the workplace.
COMPLIANCE IS KEY There are several requirements to make sure your safety shower and eye/face wash equipment complies with the Australian Standard AS 4775:2007, Emergency Showers and Eyewash Equipment including the following: • S afety showers must have a minimum flushing fluid flow rate of 75.5L/min for at least 15 minutes. • Eye/Face wash stations must have a minimum flushing fluid flow rate of 11.4L/min for at least 15 minutes. • Eyewash stations must have a minimum flushing fluid flow rate of 1.5L/min for at least 15 minutes; • Emergency shower and eye/face wash units should be installed within 10 seconds or 15 metres from high-risk areas so they’re easily accessible for all personnel; and • There must be an unobstructed path to the safety shower or eye/face wash unit that is free from any trip hazards, it must be on the same level as the hazard and be clearly identified with green emergency signage that is visible and lit so that staff can easily navigate their way in the event of an emergency.
A SOLUTION THAT FITS Spill Crew’s range of emergency showers and eye/face wash equipment includes: • • • •
ombination shower and eye/face wash stations; C Pedestal eye wash stations; Deluge showers for decontamination; and A fully customised fit-out precisely tailored to meet customer site requirements.
Most emergency shower and eye/face wash equipment require a source of reticulated water, however to cater for sites without plumbed water, there are gravity-fed or standalone units available. Portable, gravity fed units include a water reservoir that requires disinfecting with a water preservative and fluid replacement every 3 months to ensure the tank contents remain clean and suitable for use. “We are extremely proud of the Spill Crew range of safety showers and eye/face wash units. We have selected the highest quality 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and durability and our range of showers and eye/face wash units have been manufactured with superior craftsmanship and innovative design features, including our OptiStream nozzle technology. Our range demonstrates that you don’t need to pay more for superior design and quality,” says Mike Carrigg, General Manager, Spill Crew Australia. Spill Crew products undergo rigorous testing, ensuring they can withstand a variety of conditions, while maintaining optimum performance. Spill Crew’s range of HAZCHEM decontamination emergency deluge showers, eye/face wash combination units or portable units deliver the latest technologies and are designed to suit any site, workplace, or budget. Choose from plumbed hand/foot operated units for permanent installations or a portable, pressurised option for sites without plumbed water.
The Australian Standard also addresses required water temperature, valve control, nozzle design and performance, lighting, signposting, testing and maintenance requirements.
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NITRILE DISPOSABLE GLOVES: WHY THICKER DOESN’T MEAN BETTER DON’T FALL FOR THE TRAP OF COMPARING NITRILE DISPOSABLE GLOVES BASED ONLY ON THICKNESS It is logical to assume when it comes to nitrile disposable gloves that the thicker the glove, the more protection it offers. As this is the case with so many safety products, normally thicker can mean better. However, although they appear quite simple, nitrile disposables gloves are actually a rather complicated product. To understand why you should not compare nitrile gloves based on thickness, you first need to understand how a nitrile disposable glove is made. To craft a high-quality, reliable, high-performance nitrile disposable glove, there are a lot of key factors that must not be overlooked. Factors such as… The raw nitrile material, the nitrile ‘formula’, surface modified technology, chlorination, and appropriate certification. Let’s break down what each mean in terms of quality.
1. RAW NITRILE MATERIAL
5. STANDARDS & CERTIFICATION
In very simple terms, raw nitrile can either be more elastic or more chemical/solvent resistant. Raw nitrile that has stronger chemical resistance, is generally more expensive than elastic raw nitrile.
Having appropriate standards & certification is vitally important. The most common standard that disposable nitrile gloves should feature is EN 374. This provides a framework to classify how well gloves provide protection against chemicals and microorganisms. This helps make it easier for the wearer to compare disposable nitrile gloves, and to find the glove best suited to their individual needs.
2. NITRILE DISPOSABLE GLOVE FORMULA Quality gloves are made with formulas that have been engineered and refined over decades by experts, with the aim of delivering a high-performing glove for the wearer. 3. SURFACE MODIFICATION Surface modification (including inside the glove) provides a silky finish, meaning gloves are easier to put on. The glove will react less with the wearer’s skin – less sweating and skin irritation. 4. GLOVE CHLORINATION An extra level of processing that ‘seals the nitrile’, makes the gloves silkier and tact free, and helps remove remaining odours from the manufacturing process. They are significantly more comfortable than gloves that have minimal or no chlorination, resulting in the glove able to be worn for an extended period of time.
There are many parts to EN374. The most important is Part 1 and Part 5. Part 1 is about chemical permeability - the most current standard as of time of writing, measures 18 different chemicals, and assigns each chemical a letter. Gloves are then classified as Type A, B or C, depending on how many Chemical Letters they could withstand during testing. Type A needs to withstand at least 6 different chemicals, Type B has to withstand at least 3 chemicals, and Type C has to withstand at least 1. If a Glove has been EN374 part 1 tested, the below shield symbol will display with the Type and the Letters that it withstood.
Part 5 of EN374 is about resistance to viruses and microorganisms. This is a simple Pass or Fail, the below symbol will display if the gloves have passed. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an increased demand for nitrile disposable gloves. In today’s market however, we are seeing an influx of subpar product from companies trying to capitalise on the rise in demand, some of whom are cutting corners to access cheaper gloves. Gloves that are manufactured by cutting corners are a cheap nitrile ‘formula’, without the ‘key factors’ mentioned, and only focusing on thickness or weight. This will almost tear, puncture and break easily, and chemicals are more likely to permeate quicker and easier. Remember, the next time you need to compare nitrile disposable gloves, don’t just look thickness. Look for reputable glove brands that have been successfully making high performance nitrile disposable gloves well before the pandemic… ones you know and trust and have the certifications to back them up.
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Safety Spotlight
Edition 6 / October 2023
MANAGING CONTRACTORS IN HOUSE: MORE RISK THAN REWARD? GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR CONTRACTOR SAFETY & COMPLIANCE There are many reasons to engage a contractor. They can offer specialised skills, flexibility, and may often be cost-effective as they are only brought on for specific parts of the job. Because contractors are business operators themselves, it is easy to forget you have the same legal obligation to provide a safe work environment to them as you do to your own employees. According to the Model Work Health and Safety Act, an employer must: • Ensure the health and safety of workers and others at their workplace, • Consult with workers who carry out work for the business or undertaking and who are (or are likely to be) directly affected by a health and safety matter, and • Consult, cooperate, and coordinate activities with all other relevant duty holders. These duties extend to contractors and subcontractors. The last thing you need on a job site is to introduce more risk to your business, endanger workers, or breach compliance requirements. Yet managing the contractor process, especially on big and complex projects, can prove timeconsuming and onerous.
LEVERAGING TECH FOR SUCCESS Technology solutions can provide the answer to save you the headache. Cm3 - a contractor management and compliance solutions partner - offers a robust ecosystem to streamline the process. Their Australian-based team will assess your contractors to ensure they have documented risk controls, licences and insurances in place. Online general and site inductions can be delivered prior to starting the job so your contractors are ready to go when they get on site. Additionally, you can manage all the compliance logistics online through Cm3 and integrations with other existing systems you may have such as ERP, accounting, and facility management. What this all equates to is time and energy saved, and risk and liability mitigated. It also provides productivity increases as you and your contractors can get back to core works. Cm3 also boasts a comprehensive centralised marketplace of nearly 30,000 existing registered contractors, making procurement processes easier and efficient. “As businesses approach Cm3, they have often identified just how expensive, time-consuming, or error-prone their existing or internal systems and processes are, for the management of contractors and suppliers,” says, Rick Tonissen, National Business Development Manager, Cm3. “By partnering with us, they are able to leverage our dedicated assessment team and evolving digital solutions, to get significant transparency of their supply chain risks and manage them effectively.” “With our Cm3 Marketplace, we simplify the process of finding and engaging qualified contactors for the client. They are often quite surprised to find that over a third of their existing contractors are already on the platform too.” With all the moving parts involved in your operations, outsourcing your contractor management ensures a streamlined process, keeps your workers and your business safe, and take a load of admin off your plate.
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WITH GREAT POWER COMES HIGHER RISK
TAKING CHARGE OF BATTERY STORAGE
KEEP YOUR LI-ION BATTERIES COOL, CALM & CONTAINED Lithium-ion batteries have a lot of benefits over ‘regular’ batteries. They’re rechargeable, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. They have a higher energy density meaning they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package. Their capacity doesn’t reduce if they’re not fully discharged before charging. They can hold their charge for longer thanks to their slower self-discharge rate, and they provide more stable and consistent power.
Li-ion batteries do, however, come with some increased safety considerations. That’s because they contain a liquid electrolyte solution which creates the lithium ions that give the batteries its superior power, however… it is also highly volatile and flammable. The battery itself functions by generating heat when it produces power, which adds to its potential for overheating. If a Li-ion battery fails it can produce extreme temperatures, which could have dire consequences. One of the biggest dangers of Li-ion batteries is thermal runaway. This happens when the battery overheats - either because it’s stored incorrectly, is overcharged, or is damaged and short circuits. What happens inside the battery, is that the excessive heat spurs the chemical reaction, which in turn creates more heat, until it eventually catches fire or releases gasses that explode. In this event, a fire can be extremely hard to contain. While water-based fire extinguishers will cool the battery, it will not extinguish the fire on the battery until its energy dissipates.
SO HOW DO YOU CONTROL THE RISK? If we consider the Hierarchy of Controls, we can see that the first two options of elimination and substitution are out as these batteries are necessary for many applications like power tools, two-way radios, work lights, mobile phones, scanning devices, and transport. The most effective method of mitigating risk with Li-ion batteries would then be isolation in secure storage. Storemasta’s lithium-ion battery charging and storage cabinets are specifically designed with non-combustible steel construction and thermal air barrier to reduce the risk of fires. They are electrically certified and provide secure, safe space for charging, and offer liquid-tight spill containment for any battery leaks. “Harnessing the power of lithium-ion batteries ignites progress, but let’s not forget that these batteries demand respect,” says Braden Urquhart, Dangerous Goods Storage Consultant at Storemasta. “Safeguarding the charge is not just an act of caution, it’s a pledge to preserve both innovation and safety.” With up to 18 charging ports offering a 10amp flow, and easily rearrangeable charging points, poles and cabinet shelving, the battery cabinet allows you to get all your charging done while keeping your batteries cool and controlled. Upgrades are also available which include fire suppression, alarms and access control.
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Safety Spotlight
Edition 6 / October 2023
OUR EXPERTISE. YOUR VISION.
Customisati on servic e!
Improve
Empower
WORKPLACE SAFETY
YOUR TEAM
by increasing wearer compliance with eyewear that they want to wear.
by encouraging brand pride with unique and exclusive PPE eyewear.
A FEW REASONS TO CONSIDER CUSTOMISED SAFETY EYEWEAR
Elevate
Increase
YOUR BRAND
YOUR BRAND’S VISIBILITY
by showcasing your company’s identity on renowned quality safety eyewear.
in style as your employees become brand ambassadors both on and off-site and spread brand awareness.
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From weighing luggage to self-service checkout machines, load cells are the hidden ingredient across a wide range of applications and industries where measuring weight is necessary. A load cell is a transducer that converts force into an electrical output. While it’s not a big deal if your luggage is a little overweight, in industries that use hoists and cranes, overloading can be catastrophic. When lifting and moving heavy objects, load cells are essential to ensure that the load is balanced, and the equipment is not overloaded or underloaded leading to accidents or equipment failure. Pacific Hoist’s load cells have an accuracy of ± 0.1% of full range – vital for early overload detection. They’re
LET LOAD CELLS DO YOUR HEAVY LIFTING FOR YOU
equipped with an advanced multi-point monitoring system so you can get realtime data for synchronised and tandem lifts to ensure the load is balanced and within safe working limits. And their downloadable data logging system allows you to analyse data over time to make improvements to enhance safety and efficiency. “Whether you’re in construction, entertainment, or any other industry dealing with heavy loads, prioritising the safety of workers is crucial. Load cells instant notifications enable operators to take immediate action, mitigating risks and improving the safety of the application,” says Max Herbert, Operations Manager of Pacific Hoists.
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CLOSING THE GAP WITH THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION Since 2010, Blackwoods, through PROSAFE, has partnered with The Fred Hollows Foundation with a clear vision of improving access to eye care and eyewear. 10% of profits from PROSAFE eyewear, faceshields and related accessories sold through Blackwoods Australia is donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program.
To help close the gap in eye health, Blackwoods has donated over AU$3 million to support The Foundation’s work in Australia. We are proud to support Fred’s vision to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can always exercise their right to sight and good health.
10% of profits from PROSAFE eyewear, faceshields and related accessories sold through Blackwoods Australia is donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program.
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// THE INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA PROGRAM The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program supports increased investment in, and access to, culturally appropriate eye care services for remote and underserved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are three times more likely to go blind than other Australians, but 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. The Indigenous Australia Program focuses on: • Delivering surgery and medical treatment for cataract, diabetic retinopathy and the elimination of trachoma • Increasing access to services for patients in remote communities • Coordinating and improving outreach services so everyone who needs medical care gets it
“We greatly appreciate the contributions both our customers and employees have made in supporting The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program. Blackwoods is proud of its longstanding partnership of over 12 years with The Fred Hollows Foundation and we look forward to continuing to support The Foundation’s mission to end avoidable blindness.” Tracey Azzopardi, HO Own Brand & Global Sourcing.
• Providing training and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health staff.
In 2022, our partnership has helped contribute to:
10,315 People Screened
2,291
Glasses Distributed
229
931
People Educated in Eye Health
Cataract Operations
Statistics accurate as of 06/04/23
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TAKING THE STRESS OFF HOISTING We all want to get things done quickly and efficiently on the job site, but overloading lifting equipment can come at a cost… and put both your equipment and your workers at risk. Manual hoists are a simple and effective method of lifting and handling small to medium loads, conveniently converting a small input of human energy into a large hoisting ability. However, when it comes to lifting, pulling or moving odd loads, it’s not always easy to know how much weight you’re putting on the hoist. In accordance with Australian Standards, manual hoists are designed with a 4:1 ratio factor of safety, which means that technically a hoist can lift significantly higher loads than what they are rated for, however the rated capacity should never be exceeded as there is a point where the hoist will fail. To alleviate this risk, the use of manual hoists fitted with overload protection, or OLP, are used to primarily prevent failure of the lifting equipment. Some blocks fitted with OLP devices can lock up when overload conditions are encountered. This generally requires additional machinery such as a crane or higher rated equipment, to safely lower the item being hoisted back to the ground - a time consuming, expensive and potentially dangerous process. However, Bullivants and Tiger manual hoisting products continue to operate and can safely lower equipment, if overloading conditions are experienced.
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BRENDAN RYAN HOW DOES OVERLOAD PROTECTION WORK? OLP is designed to prevent catastrophic failure due to excessive overloading, by using a clutch mechanism on the input stage of a hoist. When the clutch detects an overload condition, the lever block handle or chain block hand chain will slip, preventing any additional load being applied, and allowing you to lower the load safely to the ground. An OLP device won’t prevent a hoist from lifting a heavier load than it’s rated for, it will only engage when the ‘overload’ is excessive and leaning towards potential equipment failure. OLP devices not only protect the machinery from physical damage, but it also safeguards against injury or death. Bullivants BVOLP and Tiger (by Bullivants) OLP range allows safe lifting, positioning, and lowering, ensuring you never excessively overload your manual hoist. The Bullivants and Tiger manual hoisting ranges can both be optioned with Overload Protection. Traditionally and predominantly used in the mining industry, manual hoists with overload protection are becoming more widely used across all major industries, as companies focus more and more on the safety of their workers. “In my mind, it’s a must-have safety device particularly when load weights are hard to gauge. This is common during Shutdowns or other maintenance works, especially where temporary rigging will need to be utilised,” says Paul O’Halloran, Strategic Account Manager, Bullivants. The integration of OLP devices in manual hoists offers a vital safeguard against the potentially expensive and hazardous consequences of overloading. And investing in the right equipment now could save you time, money and stress in the long run.
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NTH NSW Having dedicated over 35 years to the industrial safety industry, Brendan Ryan is an undisputed authority in the field. With his career commencing at Protector Safety in 1986, and then with several well-known and reputable safety organisations, he came back to Protector Alsafe in 2007 as Newcastle Branch Sales Manager. Since Protector Alsafe’s merger into Blackwoods in March 2016, as the Technical Safety Specialist for Blackwoods Northern NSW. Today, as part of the Specialist Lead Team, Northern NSW Technical Safety Specialists and Team Leader of the NSW & QLD Technical Safety Specialist’s team, he is perfectly placed to share his experience and knowledge within Blackwoods, all the while helping customers across a diverse spectrum of industries to provide fit for purpose PPE, Technical Safety, site safety, workwear & footwear. As he puts it… “It’s about ensuring the right safety solution is provided, so workers go home the same way they arrived” – a mantra he passionately lives by. Brendan’s approach is straightforward, open and honest, which has earned him the trust and friendship of colleagues, suppliers and customers alike, many of whom consider him an extension of their own safety advisory team. But Brendan’s life isn’t all work. A devoted family man, he’s been happily married for 31 years and enjoys spending quality time with his children, aged 26 and 28. When he’s not thinking safety at work, you’ll find him barracking for the Newcastle Knights, enjoying the outdoors with his Parsons Jack Russell, or sharing a home-cooked meal with the family.
35YRS
GO TO PAGE 27 TO CONTACT BRENDAN ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP
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SAFETY & SUSTAINABILITY GO HAND IN HAND GETTING A GRIP ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
At Blackwoods, we want to make sure everyone is safe on the job. But we also want to do our bit for the environment. That’s why we partner with suppliers who are taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and have a more positive impact on the environment through innovation and design of new safety wear. Safety gloves are essential on most job sites, from the automotive and aerospace industries to oil and gas, metal fabrication and everything in between.
GIVING A HELPING HAND TO THE ENVIRONMENT Ansell has now introduced their new HyFlex 11-842 range of all-purpose safety gloves that are lined with 90% recycled nylon fibre, reducing carbon emissions by 75g CO2 eq/pair compared to their predecessors. This results in a glove that contains a minimum recycled content of 30% in the final product. They have done away with the plastic wrapping and are instead using fully recyclable paper-bands that are responsibly sourced. This transition away from plastic wrap in packaging has resulted in a large reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to previous packaging. The gloves are also coloured with natural dye that’s a by-product of the Sri Lankan tea industry. Theo Oostveen, Product Portfolio Manager of Ansell Ltd., notes “Our research shows that 95% of the carbon footprint created by mechanical gloves, can be attributed to these three categories of raw materials, distribution and packaging, and the manufacturing process. Ansell can reduce the footprint in each area via recycled materials, minimal and recyclable packaging, and ‘greener’ manufacturing via our in-house factories. All of this is evident here in our HyFlex 11-842 style.”
NO COMPROMISE ON SAFETY OR COMFORT Embedding sustainable principles doesn’t mean that quality or comfort needs to be sacrificed. Ansell’s FORTIX™ Technology provides up to 20% greater abrasion resistance compared to previous models, the ZONZ™ Comfort Fit Technology helps improve breathability and dexterity, and the gloves are touchscreen compatible and dermatologically tested to be skin friendly. With a little innovation and determination, creating products that offer high-quality protection but with more positive environmental impact is possible. And when thousands of pairs of gloves are used daily as PPE across Australia, every glove counts towards a more sustainable future.
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Safety Spotlight
HyFlex 11-842
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Edition 6 / October 2023
FOCUS ON SIGHT SAFETY SEEING PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THROUGH A NEW LENS Of all your senses, sight is probably one that you value the most, but it’s something that inevitably deteriorates over time. So much so that 50% of people over 20 have eyesight problems. It goes without saying that clear vision is essential to be productive and safe on the job site, yet eye protection often takes a backseat. Many businesses purchase one-size-fitsall Over the Glasses (OTG) protective eyewear, but this can be bulky and uncomfortable, scratch or damage workers’ personal prescription glasses, and can cause slipping and fogging leading to poor visibility. The quick fix is often to either forego the safety eyewear and think your personal glasses will protect you, or to use only the safety eyewear and leave your prescription glasses in the case. Both of these present problems in that prescription lenses are in some instances made of glass, which can be a hazard in itself and don’t have the protective features of safety eyewear. And using safety eyewear alone means your vision will likely be impaired and mistakes can be made. So why are companies sometimes slow to invest in prescription safety eyewear? Well, because in the past it has been a logistical nightmare for procurement. But with $370 billion worth of productivity lost each year due to eye injuries, it would be careless to overlook proper eye protection. Luckily, companies like Bollé Safety and All Australian Safety have come up with ways to make procuring prescription safety eyewear easy and hassle-free.
Bollé Safety offers a convenient onsite solution for Prescription Safety Eyewear with their Excellence Programme. “We look to make the ordering process easy and offer on-site service. Our Prescription range is comfortable, stylish and has an anti-scratch coating as standard. This can be upgraded to our exclusive Platinum anti-fog, anti-scratch coating for maximum fog resistance in humid environments and increased scratch protection,” says Tamara Mika from Bollé Safety. With All Australian Safety, they provide businesses with a wide-ranging network of partner Optical stores, specifically catering for all safety eyewear requirements. “Our local partners offer personalised safety eyewear services to ensure the perfect fit for your needs. Moreover, if needed, we can arrange for a dispensing optician to visit your premises for prescription safety eyewear fittings. Our services cater to diverse industries, and our thoughtfully curated product range ensures we have customised options to tackle any demanding task effectively,” says George Webster from All Australian Safety. With 800,000 work-related eye injuries annually, businesses have a duty of care to look after their employees’ well-being by protecting one of their most precious senses and ensuring they can do their job to the best of their ability.
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GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT BETWEEN COMFORT & SAFETY SAFETY APPAREL BETTER SUITED TO AUSTRALIA’S CLIMATE
MSH274
As we all know, personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence to protect workers from hazards. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right PPE for the job and environment. In Europe, PPE apparel is often made from man-made fabrics because they can hold fluorescent Hi-Vis properties. With Australia’s harsher climate however, man-made fabrics can be uncomfortable and hotter for workers to wear. According to Safe Work Australia, the WHS standard on PPE requires businesses to ‘select suitable PPE for the worker and the task, that fits properly and is comfortable… and is compatible with other PPE worn’. That’s why we tend to opt for Hi-Vis apparel that’s made of 100% cotton or natural fibres. While they might fade quicker over time, the benefits of worker comfort and therefore productivity far outweigh the cost of more frequent replacements. In fact, Australia is the only country in the world that has specifications for Hi-Vis cotton workwear.
WSH130
Heat stress is also another reason and to get the ‘balance’ right. A worker’s susceptibility to heat stress in certain conditions, can lead to the body’s core temperature reaching 40.5°C, which in turn the possibility of organ failure, even death. The breathability of cotton can help mitigate this.
MPA099
In Australia, we have to consider both safety and comfort, so we know our workers are adequately protected, but are also comfortable. Experience has shown that workers are more likely to use PPE properly if it doesn’t restrict their movement or cause them to overheat. To support this, Blackwoods’ own brand Workhorse is about to introduce a new Stretch range of workwear made with 98% natural cotton and 2% elastane. Designed specifically with the Australian climate in mind, they feature underarm and upper back cooling vents, a sun collar extension, an ergonomic fit, and an elasticated waistband for ultimate comfort and movability.
WPA037
*Stretch range available from November 2023
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Safety Spotlight
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REAPING THE REWARDS OF SAFETY STOP. ASSESS. MOVE. (S.A.M.) INITIATIVE TAKES THE PRIZE! At Blackwoods, we live and breathe safety. It underpins everything we do for our people and our customers, and recently we saw our efforts being rewarded. We’re proud to announce that we were the winners of the 2022 National Safety Award - Category 4 / Best Communication of a Safety Message for our S.A.M. initiative.
WHAT IS S.A.M.? In 2020, we undertook a review of our injury trends. We then used that data to work collaboratively with our safety team members and develop a behavioural-based safety program.
S.A.M. HAS THREE STEPS
Stop – How can I get hurt? This encourages team members to take a beat and consider the potential dangers of moving a cumbersome object at our distribution centres.
THE AWARDS The NSCA Foundation and GIO Workers Compensation’s National Safety Awards of Excellence recognise outstanding work health and safety initiatives and celebrate organisations that champion workplace health and safety. Safety is ingrained in Blackwoods’ DNA and we’re proud to be awarded for our commitment to promoting and developing safety initiatives that protect our people. A huge thank you to everyone involved in supporting and delivering this initiative – we could not have done this without you. We also extend our thanks to the award sponsor, Ansell, and the NSCA for hosting the awards, as well as the wider HSW Team, Leaders and Team Members who have communicated and contributed to celebrating the success of safe behaviours through S.A.M. storytelling. A special thank you to the Blackwoods Regency Park Team for assisting with production of the S.A.M. educational video program.
Assess – What is the best way to avoid injuring myself or others? Team members then consider the best approach to keep themselves and others safe.
Move – Team members then adopt the method selected in the Assess stage. Andrew Dyke, Regional General Manager of Blackwoods Australia, notes, “S.A.M. has had an enormous impact on our business. We’ve had a 50% reduction in our total recordable injury frequency rate and a 57% reduction in workers’ compensation claims. Our aim with S.A.M. was to empower our team to make good decisions. S.A.M. is adaptable to anyone and can be applied anywhere in the business.”
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// OUR INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SAFETY For over 145 years, we’ve been Australia’s leading industrial and safety equipment provider. You’ll find us across the country on construction sites, mine sites, and on desert roads, making sure workers are protected when it matters most. We work with customers to understand the specific hazards they face. Drawing on the knowledge of our technical team, we share the expertise needed to review, test and manage safe work practices. Where stock is critical and time is limited, we can provide streamlined solutions using smart technology to help you better manage inventory, reduce cost, free-up capital and improve productivity. When managing safety on worksites, knowledge is the key to prevention. Our goal is to stay abreast of the latest safety standards, recommendations and technology so we can keep our customers informed. Our Technical Safety Specialists are experienced in a wide range of industries, from mining to construction. They offer a wealth of hands-on practical knowledge and a passion for helping customers stay informed and protected. Our global sourcing expertise and capability coupled with long-standing relationships with market leading manufacturers throughout the world ensures our customers are provided with any best-practice developments and innovations in the safety space. With fit-for-purpose product selection guidance, sourcing, delivery and post purchase support in line with applicable standards, we have everything you need to get the job done safely, and if we don’t have it, we can get it.
But our approach goes far beyond simply supplying safety products. We invest time and expertise in our customers and share our broad depth of knowledge, so they are equipped to ensure that every employee, contractor and visitor returns home healthy and injury free. It’s what we refer to as our assess, inform, equip model. At each stage of the process, we collaborate with clients to ensure they get the right product, technical knowledge, and training, at the right time. Our holistic approach to safety is what sets us apart and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Because when our customers can do their job safely and confidently, then we know we’ve done ours. Together we help more people build a better Australia.
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// MEET OUR
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALISTS
Our team of technical safety specialists located throughout Australia are experienced in many industries and workplace environments and welcome the opportunity to work with our customers to achieve their safety goals for keeping people safe. Our services extend from product identification, sourcing, and supply to the delivery of customer solutions and practical technical expertise to eliminate and mitigate risks.
Together we help more people build a better Australia.
PETER AGNOS HEAD OF TECHNICAL - NATIONAL +61 417 819 584 Peter.Agnos@blackwoods.com.au
DARREN GALLAGHER NATIONAL CATEGORY & SOURCING MANAGER, WORKPLACE SAFETY, RESPIRATORY, FALL PROTECTION, AND LIFTING & RIGGING
+61 439 021 868
Darren.Gallagher@blackwoods.com.au
SHANE WOOD NATIONAL CATEGORY & SOURCING MANAGER, EYE, FACE, HEAD, HEARING & HAND PROTECTION
+61 418 417 779
LEIGH EAM
JON MARTIN
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - WA
Shane.Wood@blackwoods.com.au
25YRS
+61 438 439 155
NATIONAL CATEGORY & SOURCING MANAGER APPAREL & FOOTWEAR
+61 457 859 360
Leigh.Eam@blackwoods.com.au
Jon.Martin@blackwoods.com.au
ADAM SEAWARD
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - WA
LYNDAL DISTANT 6YRS
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD
11YRS
+61 417 947 834
+61 419 365 634
Adam.Seaward@blackwoods.com.au
Lyndal.Distant@blackwoods.com.au
REBECCA JOHNSON
CRAIG POSTILL
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - SA/NT
17YRS
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD
13YRS
+61 417 998 488
+61 438 343 837
Craig.Postill@blackwoods.com.au
Rebecca.Johnson@blackwoods.com.au
DREW DAUNCEY
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC/TAS TEAM LEADER
BRENDAN RYAN 24YRS
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NSW TEAM LEADER
35YRS
+61 408 624 653
+61 417 231 550
Drew.Dauncey@blackwoods.com.au
Brendan.Ryan@blackwoods.com.au
JANELLE COCCIA
ROY KASSAB
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC
6YRS
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NSW
25YRS
+61 428 655 897
+61 459 805 179
Roy.Kassab@blackwoods.com.au
Janelle.Coccia@blackwoods.com.au
JASON GIBBS
KIM CRESSEY
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC
15YRS
TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NSW
13YRS
+61 438 470 425
+61 447 094 345
Kim.Cressey@blackwoods.com.au
Jason.Gibbs@blackwoods.com.au
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We work with customers to understand the specific hazards they face. Drawing on the knowledge of our technical team, we share the expertise needed to review, test and manage safe work practices.
Our global sourcing expertise and capability coupled with long-standing relationships with market leading manufacturers throughout the world ensures our customers are provided with any best-practice developments and innovations in the safety space.
Where stock is critical and time is limited, we can provide streamlined solutions using smart technology to help you better manage inventory, reduce cost, free-up capital and improve productivity.
INFORM When managing safety on worksites, knowledge is the key to prevention. Our goal is to stay abreast of the latest safety standards, recommendations and technology so we can keep our customers informed. Our Technical Safety Specialists are experience in a wide range of industries, from mining to construction. They offer a wealth of hands-on practical knowledge and a passion for helping customers stay informed and protected.
With fit-for-purpose product selection guidance, sourcing, delivery and post purchase support in line with applicable standards, we have everything you need to get the job done safely, and if we don’t have it, we can get it. Our holistic approach to safety is what sets us apart from other suppliers and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Because when our customers can do their job safely and confidently, then we know we’ve done ours.
Together we’re helping build a better Australia.
13 73 23 / blackwoods.com.au
Sovereign A2 – Gloss is proudly made FSC® certified. Manufactured with elemental chlorine free pulps. Full ‘cradle to grave’ LCA completed according to international standards.
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