Discipline for small accident?

Scottishbhoy

Hi first time poster long time reader.

Last night i accidenly knicked the top of my thumb with a stanley knife at work and required a plaster. This morning i recieve a call from supervisor to advise that i will more than likely be getting a letter to be invited to a disciplinary hearing!. Is this Right?, its my first accident ive had in 3 years of working there.

RichardD1970

Depends, were you working to the correct process, wearing the correct PPE?

Scottishbhoy

there arent any PPE, we are only required to wear a High-Vis and Safety shoes. Gloves are required to work.

saintjammyswine

Were you following all (inc. H&S) procedures correctly & fully?
If not then it may be setting an example to others that they should or face a disciplinary. The procedures & policies are (usually) there for good reason such as so you dont cut the end of your thumb off!!

RichardD1970

Has there been a risk assessment carried out on the tasks that require the use of a Stanley knife, and were you following the processes and methods approved for the task?

At my last place of work, someone had an accident with a hacksaw, they did a risk assessment and from then on everyone using a hacksaw was required to wear specific gloves on pain of disciplinary action.

Scottishbhoy

all i can say was i was opening a parcel and the blade got stuck in rather overly bubble wrapped and an over taped item i tugged a little bit harder to free it and it caught my thumb ever so slightly but enough to warrant a plaster to stop dirt and dust getting in there. thats simply all it was. A fellow employee was recently disciplined for knocking his knee on a metal support for "not being aware of his surroundings" sounds like this company just want to discipline for human error.

RichardD1970

I'm surprised you are allowed to use a Stanley knife for opening parcels, every job like that I've been involved in we have had to use safety knives, open blades were strictly forbidden.

Scottishbhoy

RichardD1970 wrote: »

I'm surprised you are allowed to use a Stanley knife for opening parcels, every job like that I've been involved in we have had to use safety knives, open blades were strictly forbidden.

if it goes that far this is something ill raise at as a point.
Thanks :beer:

dickydonkin

Scottishbhoy wrote: »

all i can say was i was opening a parcel and the blade got stuck in rather overly bubble wrapped and an over taped item i tugged a little bit harder to free it and it caught my thumb ever so slightly but enough to warrant a plaster to stop dirt and dust getting in there. thats simply all it was. A fellow employee was recently disciplined for knocking his knee on a metal support for "not being aware of his surroundings" sounds like this company just want to discipline for human error.

You shouldn't really be using a Stanley knife for every day tasks.

Something with an enclosed blade is more suitable for tasks such as cutting bands and opening parcels etc.



Unless there is a written sharps policy and clear definitions of what knife to use for a given task which you have ignored, it seems your company is getting defensive in case you decide to put in a claim.

As for PPE as sole protection,(gloves) that is a last resort - it can also compromise dexterity when using a knife and potentially introduce a secondary hazard.

It happens all the time - many companies tend to blame the injured person but seem reluctant to look at their own shortcomings at preventing injuries in the first place!

princessdon

Through your glove?

Andy_L

The disciplinary may be for not filling in the accident book