Welsh Water has lent support to two innovative engineering entrepreneurs in a bid to reduce manual handling injuries in the water industry and beyond.
Experts at the UK’s only not-for-profit water company have collaborated with engineers Kailash Manoharaselvan and Thomas Labat-Camy to pioneer innovative technology designed to prevent manual handling injuries at work. The pair approached Welsh Water with their ‘MOVA’ project; an innovative solution to help combat preventable manual handling injuries and other long-term issues.
Gary Smith, Head of Asset Information and IMS Manager Glen Peek, both from Welsh Water, have worked alongside Mr Manoharaselvan and Mr Labat-Camy to help develop the innovative solution, testing and perfecting the ideas using real-world scenarios.
The MOVA technology works by adding sensors into standard personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitoring the user as they carry out standard tasks. The technology creates a real-time avatar of the user through computer generated imagery which instantly shows the stresses and strains being placed on different parts of the body.
The tech visualises issues that could become harmful; information companies can use to keep their people safe – by identifying and changing behaviours that need intervention.
Speaking of working with the two entrepreneurs, Gary Smith said: “It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Kailash and Thomas on this project. We jumped at the chance to support them because we believed in their idea, saw its potential, and wanted to play a part in helping make it a reality.
“Welsh Water has invested time and energy into the project as well as providing data, insight, and mentoring to help develop this genuinely innovative piece of technology. We believe MOVA has the potential to help protect many people working in similar industries.”
MOVA technology is nominated for numerous awards in 2021 having been recognised for its innovation and health and safety benefits.
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