HexArmor Shield® contributes to 42% injury reduction | Metals

See how a leading manufacturer in the metal handling and fabrication industry lowered injuries, saved money, increased compliance, and eliminated waste over the course of six months with the help of HexArmor® PPE, HexArmor Shield® program, and Fastenal®.

The issue

In 2022, workers were sustaining frequent lacerations on the job. Numerous types of hand and arm PPE were being worn, all with cut resistance as low as level A2.

Several applications were problematic, including fabrication, tank and canopy, and sub-assembly, with the primary hazards being sharp metal edges or “rat tails,” metal shavings, and raw sheet metal edges.

Not only that, but workers were having a hard time finding the PPE they needed due to poor labeling, disorganization, and placement of the current vending program.

The solution

After HexArmor® was called in to get an in-depth understanding of the situation, the HexArmor® rep and EHS manager decided to conduct a full HexArmor Shield® assessment.

This program designs a PPE safety program that specifically meets the needs of each application and hazard workers face in the field – with proven success from the top down.

Due to the EHS Manager and HexArmor® hands-on approach, the employees were willing to participate and provide in-depth feedback during the extensive product trial period. This hands-on approach was integral in creating a world-class safety program.

The findings led to an increase in the cut resistance minimum from level A2 to level A6 and consolidation of SKUs in certain applications, moving from five different gloves and three manufacturers to two different gloves and one manufacturer.

It was also found that workers were experiencing fogging in their safety eyewear, resulting in noncompliance. HexArmor’s eyewear was recommended due to the highly comfortable frame options and truly permanent TruShield® coatings.

PPE recommendations across applications included the Helix® 3050, Helix® 3062, HeatArmor® welding gloves and welding sleeve, Helix® 2043 cut-resistant sleeve, and MX200 safety eyewear.

Feedback

Making the switch to HexArmor® PPE, combined with utilizing Fastenal’s vending solutions and implementation, helped this location see incredible results in a six-month period between 2022-2023.

Reduced injuries:

• Recordable hand laceration injuries fell 42%, resulting in $240,592 in injury avoidance savings, according to the OSHA Safety Pays Program.

Eliminate waste:

• HexArmor® gloves lasted up to 7x longer than previous options during trials.
• Arm sleeve usage alone was reduced by 35% to the high durability of the Helix® 2043, eliminating waste and creating over $22,000 in total cost savings.
• Fastenal’s vending solution reduced waste due to ease of use and efficiency.

Increased morale:

• Employees felt seen, heard, and empowered while participating in the PPE trials.
• Vending access changed from ‘supervisor only’ to now include employees.

Increased compliance:

• Employees prefer the new gloves, sleeves, and safety eyewear and now use what they like.
• The clean, concise, and easy-to-use Fastenal® vending program helps employees find what they need when they need it.

Learn more about the HexArmor Shield® program