Wheelchair-using employees must be able to manoeuvre around the manufacturing workspace without difficulty and be safe from hazards including stairwells, narrow entrances, and inadequate restrooms. Making modifications to increase access can make a significant impact on how a disabled employee performs and feels at work.
Some of these modifications could include installing access ramps at entrances and establishing a larger cubicle or office area large enough for the employee to transition from a wheelchair to an office chair.
This is not the case with Evermil and Leussink, two companies that have joined forces to help wheelchair-bound boilermaker Clay Kelly work more efficiently and autonomously.
Skilled boilermaker gains autonomy
Steel fabrication business Evermil and Leussink, a solutions-focused engineering company based on the East Coast of Australia have provided a 3D welding table for employee Clay Kelly, a talented boilermaker who does a wide range of tasks. Due to a bull riding accident that injured his spine 23 years ago, Clay uses a wheelchair and has physical limitations.
His regular duties involve reading designs, cutting, shaping, and welding metal and steel to repair flaws, joining structures using welding and bolts and recognising and resolving problems. As a boilermaker, Clay must occasionally ask his coworkers for help while lifting objects of varied weights and moving them around the workshop.
Chris Beck, managing director of Evermil, asked colleague Paul Baxendale to do research because he was eager to identify ways to make Clay’s role more approachable. Evermil applied after Paul discovered JobAccess and the Employment Assistance Fund.
The idea was to provide Clay with the ability to work alone and independently. Clay also struggled with various areas of fabrication chores when using his existing workbench.
Utilising a workplace assessment tool
A workplace assessment was set up through JobAccess, an information and advice service funded by the Australian Government, to comprehend Clay’s needs and challenges at work. The assessor consequently suggested tools to help Clay perform more effectively, safely, and efficiently.
The suggestions included a three-dimensional welding table, a stool for perching on while working, and a self-propelled electronic scissor lift trolley that would assist Clay in lifting objects onto his trolley and moving them over to the workbench. The Demmeler table system was a no-brainer for the 3D workbench because it is exact, flexible, and consistent.
Leussink’s Russell Brinkworth visited Evermil and spent time with Clay to understand exactly what he needed to achieve and how a table could be accommodated to provide the best solution. As a result, the Demmeler table was mounted on the scissor lift which allowed Clay to work autonomously.
In particular, depending on the task, Clay can attach various objects to the Demmeler table and alter its height. In addition, he can adjust the table’s angles so he can turn it where he needs it rather than squirming under it or turning sideways.
According to Paul Baxendale of Evermil, “Essentially Clay can work with the table on a ‘funny angle’, rather than him being on a ‘funny angle.’
What the modifications entail for wheelchair-using workers
Clay said he is particularly thrilled with the Demmeler table’s versatility, saying “I can lower it down, making it easier, and I can clamp stuff onto it. It has been amazing, it helps me out a lot.”
“Not many people in roles like mine get to use a worktable like this. I’m pretty stoked,” added Clay.
Working with JobAccess, according to Paul, “opened Evermil’s eyes to what is possible” when employing a diverse staff and creating an inclusive workplace.
Now, Clay is already doing more jobs with the assistance of his equipment. “Clay is a great guy; he can do more tasks now, it’s great to see and makes his job a lot easier,” said Paul.
Leussink’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Stuart Ward said, “We love the opportunity to work with people where we need to think outside the box. It’s awesome to see professional tradespeople fully utilising the skills and experience they have gained over the years.
“The combination of JobAccess funding, Evermil’s commitment to its employees, and the Leussink technology and support have come together to achieve this,” said Stuart.
The Demmeler 3D workbench and welding table is a versatile jig and fixturing system for all types of welding and fabrication work.
Illawarra-based steel fabrication business Evermil has operated for over 35 years and is proud of its family ownership.
Evermil fabricates high-quality metal for the residential, commercial, and industrial markets.
