Smart gloves helping to prevent white finger

Digital network provider CityFibre and civils contractor Callan Connect are testing new technology that prevents Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

The HAV Sentry Glove monitors the vibrations created by heavy machinery when worn by construction workers operating tools such as grinders, drills and concrete breakers.

Coventry based start-up Feraru Dynamics has developed the smart technology which continuously takes into account the vibrations created and analyses the data, alerting operatives when it reaches dangerous levels so they know to take a break and allow some time to recover.

The HAV Sentry Glove will be tested by two of Callan Connect’s workers at sites across CityFibre’s Coventry network.

Richard Thorpe, Chief Delivery Officer at CityFibre, said:

“The welfare of the people building our network is of paramount importance to us. “We are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways of helping to prevent injuries and improve our processes.

“As we deliver next generation connectivity, it’s fitting we are using connected devices to help monitor and maintain the health of our staff. It’s a combination that goes hand in glove. “We are also really pleased to be able to help a growing organisation like Feraru Dynamics which is a fantastic example of modern British engineering.

“We’re proud to do our bit to support projects like this which have the potential to benefit our contractors as well as thousands of people across the UK and beyond.”

Stephen Callan, Head of Construction at Callan Connect, said:

“The wellbeing of our employees is incredibly important to us, and given that HAVS is an irreversible condition that develops within a few years of continuous exposure, we take the risks very seriously.

“This new technology not only enables us to more accurately monitor working conditions of those exposed to vibrations, it also helps to give those using the machinery, and the company as a whole, a better understanding of the risks involved.”

Originally published on: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/03/13/smart-gloves-helping-to-prevent-white-finger/