Health & safety bulletin
Global Alliance Bulletin - Cut Hand
1st August 2008
Please see below self explanatory extract from a BP/Bovis Global Alliance bulletin.
From: Martin Rackley Global Alliance HSSE Manager 14/07/2008
A refrigeration contractor recently suffered a severe cut to his hand. He damaged tendons which required surgery and it will be several months before doctors know if the operation was successful. The investigation process is still ongoing but the main cause was incorrect use of a Stanley knife and not following the correct cutting techniques.
The engineer was removing plastic cable ties from plastic tubing. Holding the tubing in the palm of his left hand (as shown above), he pushed the blade of the knife into the tie and cut towards himself. The blade went through the tie, cut through his glove and across three fingers in his palm.
BP/Bovis Global Alliance offers the following advice to avoid a similar incident occurring in the future:
- Always use safer alternatives to knives wherever possible e.g. snips.
- Never put your hand underneath what you intend to cut.
- Supervisors need to ensure that anyone using a knife has the right tool for the task, and understands correct cutting techniques.
- The appropriate gloves should be used for cutting tasks - not general purpose gloves.
- If in doubt speak to your supervisor. Don't take a chance and think this won't happen to you.