Local Authority Embraces R-Link Technology
Several years ago, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) faced prosecution by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for inadequate management of hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure.
This pivotal event spurred Wirral MBC to commit whole-heartedly to mitigating vibration risks and safeguarding their workforce.
In response, Wirral MBC implemented real-time vibration monitoring technology, starting with Reactec’s tool-mounted HAVmeter device in 2010, and later adopting the wrist-worn HAVwear in 2016. These initiatives have enabled Wirral MBC to take robust control of vibration exposure management.
In early 2024, Wirral MBC further enhanced their monitoring capabilities by upgrading to the latest R-Link watch.
We met with Simon O’Connor, Resilience & Compliance Manager at Wirral MBC, who took time out to share his experience of rolling out R-Link.
“Managing exposure to hand-arm vibration is a huge challenge for local authorities,” Simon explained.
“The equipment that our Parks & Countryside Services team uses daily to maintain our vast and diverse green estate emits significant vibration. However, we are diligent in our health surveillance, and every team member now wears the R-Link watch.”
Making the switch to R-Link:
“R-Link represents a significant advancement over the HAVWEAR technology,” Simon noted.
“With our HAVwear kit nearing the end of its lifecycle, we decided to upgrade to the latest technology available. When we first introduced HAVwear, it was crucial to communicate to our teams that the devices where for their protection. Initially, Trade Unions had concerns, but Reactec’s team visited our sites, alleviated these concerns, and provided comprehensive training. This support made our recent transition to R-Link straightforward,“ said Simon.
“During the rollout, we found the R-Link online training videos extremely useful. These were uploaded to our training portal and shared with all operators. As an added layer of protection, we have implemented personal vibration thresholds that are significantly lower than HSE recommendations, based on individual risk assessments and advice from occupational health specialists. For operators with a history of hand or arm injuries, we may even reassign them to alternative tasks,” explained Simon.
Proactive Interventions and Data Management:
“Today, 160 operators wear R-Link, with Gateways positioned in 27 different areas in our depots and mess rooms. Operators are required to sign-out the watch daily, which has enhanced our data collection in the Reactec Analytics,” Simon explained.
“We extensively use Reactec Analytics, with over 25 reports set-up to monitor R-Link usage and operator exposure levels.”
Simon added: “the ability to add interventions in Reactec Analytics is important functionality for us, as it integrates with our internal processes. Any breach of an exposure threshold is thoroughly investigated and documented in the system”.
“Our Compliance & Development Officer acts as the focal point for Reactec Analytics following up on breaches and inputting investigative outcomes.”
"If an operator breaches their personal vibration threshold, we often send the tool to the workshop to check whether it is in good working order, as part of our investigation,” said Simon.
“Our Health, Safety & Wellbeing Manager also receives email alerts notifying them of any breaches, including the details of the interventions made.”
"R-Link represents a significant advancement over the HAVwear technology"
Defending Claims with Data:
“Over the years, we have faced civil injury claims,” Simon revealed.
“Data from the Reactec Analytics has been invaluable in resolving these claims."
"Recently, Reactec’s CEO assisted us in defending a claim by performing specialist data analysis."
"Reactec provided expert witness services, explaining the capabilities of their HAVS monitoring technology and interpreting the collected data. In this case, Reactec analysed several years of accumulated HAVS exposure data to comment on the level of risk the data indicated against an individual, and a peer group of individuals, carrying out similar work over the same time period.”
“While using data to defend claims is important, the greatest benefit of Reactec’s technology is its ability to help us take a preventative approach to protecting our teams from vibration exposure.”
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council’s proactive and comprehensive approach to managing vibration exposure sets a benchmark for local authorities, showcasing their commitment to employee safety and wellbeing.
“While using data to defend claims is important, the greatest benefit of Reactec’s technology is its ability to help us take a preventative approach to protecting our teams from vibration exposure.”