Health & safety bulletin
Misplaced Knives
20th August 2009
Please see below self explanatory Memo.
From: Martin Rackley, HSSE Manager, BP/Bovis Global Alliance
Date: 31.07.09
The knife pictured below was found inside a recently refurbished BP shop. The site was open to customers and found on a window ledge by our Project Manager. Within 24 hours we found a discarded Stanley knife blade on another refurbished site and again it had been left on a window ledge.
IF THIS TREND CONTINUES IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A CUSTOMER OR SMALL CHILD COMES INTO CONTACT WITH A BLADE!
We do not know who left these knives / blades BUT it is likely to be contractors. It is easy to misplace or forget about hand tools. We urge all our contractors to be extra vigilant and follow this simple guidance:
- When not in use, knives should have their blades retracted or placed in protective sheaths and be placed in toolboxes or tool belts.
- Suitable protective gloves must be worn at all times when handling knives.
- Every contractor should conduct an end of shift tool check to ensure they haven't left anything behind. This is not just good practise - REPLACING TOOLS CAN COST YOU MONEY!
- Discarded / damaged blades MUST never be left on forecourts or inside shops. You should wrap them in suitable packaging and speak to the Site Manager who will advise on the most suitable disposal method.
- Extra vigilance / attention to be given to tools and equipment by all staff and contractors involved in handovers / pre opening inspections.
IF THIS TREND CONTINUES IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A CUSTOMER OR SMALL CHILD COMES INTO CONTACT WITH A BLADE!