Safety gear plays a vital role

Dave on the job.

As we wrap up Safety Month here at Classic, we asked painting team member Dave to share with us some of the upsides and challenges of working as a painter on construction sites and in built environments as someone with hearing loss.

David has been a valued member of the painting team at Classic Contractors for 10 years now, contributing to our many successful projects. His seasoned professionalism means that he implements safe work practices and ensures that safety is a top priority, especially since he faces a set of extra circumstances every day. David is a deaf person.

Dave says using smartphones makes communication easier with colleagues and clients who don’t sign.

 As someone who is deaf, how does your deafness influence the way you work with your colleagues and customers?

I need to use a lot of visuals and easy-to-understand language. Having people talk slowly helps me to understand them, and I do a great deal of communicating using my phone. Being deaf is good sometimes, there are fewer distractions so I can focus on my work.

What kind of support did you receive during training or inductions?

At TAFE where I trained as a painter, I benefited from an AUSLAN interpreter alongside the painting teacher. My family have also been helpful with communicating on the phone for me when needed.

Dave wears his “Hearing Impaired” vest to alert colleagues and clients.

Tell us the best way to communicate with a deaf person if they don’t know sign language.

Dave as a painting apprentice.

It is helpful to use visual aids and pictures, use the phone, write down easy words, look me in the eye and talk slowly, use gestures such as pointing, and speak slowly.

What’s one thing you wish people understood about life as a deaf person?

Not all hearing people make an effort to talk to me. And so, I’m not always included or involved in conversations, which can sometimes become lonely.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not doing a fantastic job with our painting teams?

I enjoy shooting clays and events at my shooting club and gaming on my PlayStation 5.