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Hands Off Bights

Maker Accident Prevention Organisation

Artist Clem Millward (Australian, born 1929)

Date1961-1972

Object number00016546

NamePoster

MediumColour offset lithographic print on paper.

DimensionsDisplay dimensions (C FINI external): 745 × 550 mm
Sheet: 569 × 435 mm
Storage (matted): 716 × 523 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Association of Employers of Waterside Labour

Terms

DescriptionA stevedoring safety poster by Clem Millward published by Shipowners Accident Prevention Organisation. The caption reads 'HANDS OFF BIGHTS'. The poster was used by the Association of Employers of Waterside Labour. Image depicts a gloved hand holding onto a rope. HistoryThe Association of Employers of Waterside Labour produced most of the posters. The Association was formed in 1961 by stevedoring companies throughout Australia and at its peak had about 60 companies as members, this gradully reduced as more companies were consolidated. The original objectives of the Association were to address safety issues within the stevedoring industry. They provided safety training in occupational health and safety, established safety committees in ports and created centralised accident recording. The role later expanded to include skills training. The Association was funded by employers but saw itself having an independent role, including monitoring safety performance. Historically the stevedoring industry had a poor occupational health and safety record when compared to general industry. The record does compare more favourably with those of other heavy industries. Staff at the Association developed the concepts for the posters and contractors produced the artwork and printing. In the 1960s, every berth had a poster box and the posters were produced to a uniform size so they could be exhibited in those boxes. Many posters were issued in response to individual accidents or rises in the number of accidents. Some posters were issued up to seven times while others may have been issued once only.SignificanceThis poster is one of a larger collection of safety images used by the stevedoring industry in Australia to minimise workplace hazards and accidents that were part of the daily lives of workers.