Knowledge gap leads to rise in life-threatening injuries

IN the past decade, the fluid power industry has reaped the rewards of a fast progression in technology and applications.
However, what many organisations are now finding is that this rapid rate of change has created difficulties for workforces attempting to remain up to speed with current industry practices and hydraulic systems.
This lag, combined with the growing number of industry experts who are retiring, has resulted in a substantial knowledge gap in the sector. When added to the existing dangers of working with hydraulics systems, this is producing a significant reduction in worksite safety.
In 2010 and 2011, there were a total of 72 fluid injection injury claims made in the NSW coal industry alone: more than three times the number of claims made for electrical shock.
Fluid injection injuries can often appear benign at first but can lead to amputation and, in the worst cases, death.
In the hope of preventing further unnecessary accidents and reducing the number of related injuries, Custom Fluid Power, one of Australia’s largest hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics solution providers, has developed a range of training packages that provide trainees with the skills to spot potential hazards while also preventing dangerous pressure build-ups and oil leaks.