Lost time / specified injuries - Health and Safety Hub
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Lost time / specified injuries
A summary of all workplace incidents that have resulted in staff of Thames Water
and its partners incurring a specified injury and/or needing time off work.
Latest lost time injury
2020/21 LTI 013 30th August 2020 Eastern Avenue IG2 Operations - Waste Network CFS
- AMP6 Waste Contractors -
Lanes Group Plc (North London)
What happened?
An injury incident occurred at a customer's property whilst a sewer blockage was being investigated. Whilst
obtaining access to a neighbouring property, the contractor operative removed the fence panel to resolve a
blockage issue and whilst doing so he stepped onto a low-level temporary platform (consisting of scaffold poles
and a door) to access the garden. In doing so the operative fell from height and struck against a horizontal pole
causing bruising to his side.
Immediate actions:
Work was immediately stopped, and the injured person was moved to a safe position. The fence panel was
replaced, and the door was moved, the incident was then escalated to the field management team.
Investigation underway.
Safety message:
The operative should not have attempted to continue with the job on the grounds of it being an unsafe
working environment. He should have stopped to undertake a full risk assessment, escalating the activity to his
line management.
Responsible Manager:
Kris Taylor (Lanes Group Plc)Lost time injury frequency
Lost time injuries 2020/21
2020/21 LTI 012 28th August 2020 Edith Road, London, Operations - Water Network -
W14 0TH Central North - Agility
What happened?
Team attended a third-party contractor's site to undertake a repair to a damaged service pipe. After safely
completing the repair task, one of the operatives was packing away the teams tools and equipment when he
slipped into the trench. The operative scrapped his shin on the sharp edges of the cut tarmac indicated above.
Immediate actions:
• Team-mate made the area safe.
• The injured person applied bandage by way of self-administered first aid, before driving himself to Hospital to
have the injury assessed and cleaned.
Safety message:
Be aware of your surroundings
Responsible Manager:
Bev Keogh2020/21 LTI 011 19th August 2020 Watermill Lane SPS Operations - Operational
Projects & Logistics –
Maintenance Projects
What happened?
The Injured Person (IP), an electrical contractor, was fitting a cable tray at high level within the SPS building
when he pinched the knuckle of his right thumb on the edge of the tray. When he pulled his hand away, he
sustained a cut to the knuckle of his right thumb and sustained suspected tendon damage. The IP was wearing
fingerless gloves.
Immediate actions:
The IP was taken to a nearby A&E Dept to have the wound dressed.
Safety message:
RAMS must state PPE to be worn. Do not deviate from RAMS. Thames Water has minimum PPE standards
which must be adhered to. The standard includes gloves which provide mechanical protection. Fingerless
gloves do not provide mechanical protection to the digits (fingers and thumbs).
Responsible Manager:
Richard Townsend – JR Pridham Services Ltd
2020/21 LTI 010 13th August 2020 Ramsbury STW Operations - Waste
Treatment - Thames Valley
South
What happened?
Site operator had exited the mess room at Ramsbury STW and was walking back towards his vehicle with his
Toughbook in his right hand. He then tripped on the lip of a protruding concrete slab, after the adjacent slab
had sunk - possibly after a cable installation some time ago. The Injured Person received a graze to his left knee
and has sprained his left wrist.
Immediate actions:
The Controller of Premise – attended site on the 13th August to investigate. She highlighted the area with high
viz paint. Employees who may attend site were contacted and briefed on the hazard. Incident raised on
SpheraCloud and escalated to H&S.
Safety message:
Do not walk on by and report all unsafe conditions on site. Where you are able, resolve the unsafe condition or
make safe e.g. in this instance place a hazard cone or highlight the protruding lip with high viz paint.
Responsible Manager:
Rebecca Winstanley2020/21 LTI 009 8th July 2020 Off Site: Cariageway Operations - Water Network -
(NW2 6JB) Central North - Thames Water
What happened?
The employees van was parked on a slope at the head of a residential street. The employee had returned to his
vehicle having undertaken some works in the street, when the vehicle moved causing the employee to become
trapped under the front offside wheel. At present the reason for the vehicle moving is still unknown. The
injured person is recovering from a large gash wound to their leg.
Immediate actions:
The scene was managed by the emergency services and the vehicle moved to a safe location. H&S advisors and
other employees attended site and ensured no further or imminent danger present.
Safety message:
It is important that daily vehicle checks are completed and the results logged in the appropriate Daily Checks /
Defect Report sheets / books. Drivers should ensure that the vehicle is safely parked with handbrake applied,
ensuring steering is applied to ensure that vehicle is unable to roll too far before being turned into a kerb line.
When lone working, ensure that you are booked in to your companies' lone working processes to ensure that
should you become incapacitated someone will be alerted to either non-movement or timer timing out.
Responsible Manager:
Matthew Banks
2020/21 LTI 008 18th June 2020 Taylors End Road Operations - Waste Network CFS -
(Stansted) SSPS Small Sewage Pumping Stations
TAYLO2ZZ
What happened?
Whilst opening up the sewage pumping station kiosk a Thames Water operative dropped his keys and lock in a
bush. Whilst leaning down to retrieve these, a snake has struck and bit him on lip / face area.
Immediate actions:
The injured person attended A&E. Team have revisited site to ensure snake is not habitating the site area.
Safety message:
Not all hazards are immediately visible, and this incident highlights the importance of always Taking 5 and to be
fully aware of your surroundings.
Responsible Manager:
James Howells2020/21 LTI 007 15th June 2020 Farmoor WTW Operations - Water Production -
(Intake Building) AMP6 Water Contractors
What happened?
A contractor was undertaking work to replace failed gearboxes on a number of valves reservoir Inlet Building.
The Team were tidying up an area to create space for the old gearboxes which they were intending on replacing.
The incident occurred when a drive nut slipped into the housing trapping one of the Operative’s fingers between
the drive nut and the housing. This resulted in several deep cuts his right index and middle fingers.
Immediate actions:
Work was stopped and area was made safe. First aid was administered, and the injured person was
taken by one of his colleagues to the local A&E (John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford).
Safety message:
Always stick to the scope of work and stop to reassess when changes occur.
Responsible Manager:
Elinor Singleton
2020/21 LTI 006 15th June 2020 Faringdon Road EC1 Operations - Asset Performance &
Pumping – AMP6 Waste
Contractors
What happened?
A contractor operative was loading metal sheeting onto the back of a flatback vehicle at the end of the shift to
take away for storage, he pushed the sheeting into place and crushed his finger between the sheets. Cut to his
right middle finger.
Immediate actions:
Area was cleared up and the injured person attended a local hospital for treatment.
Safety message:
Always ensure you are aware of your work environment. Ensure appropriate PPE is being worn. Keep hands
out of the line of fire plan and prepare before carrying out a task.
Responsible Manager:
Unit Spark Operations Manager
2020/21 LTI 005 11th May 2020 William Girling Operations - Operational Projects
Storage Reservoir & Logistics - Contractors - UK
Landscapes
What happened?
A Grounds Maintenance contractor was using a ride-on mower on the flat sections of the reservoir banks when
the mower became stuck at the edge of the slope. In attempting to free it, the mower slid down the reservoir
bank and at the bottom the mower tipped into a flood relief channel, landing upside down in the channel and
trapping the operative.
Immediate actions:
The Emergency Services attended site and the injured person was taken to hospital for assessment and
treatment. The water in the channel has been diverted to avoid pollution while a plan is developed to
retrieve the mower from the channel.
Safety message:
Ensure all employees are aware of the risks when operating machinery near banks and adequate monitoring isin place to check that RAMS are being followed.
Responsible Manager:
Daniel Brackley (Controller of Premises)
2020/21 LTI 004 7th May 2020 Ufton Nervet WTW Capital Delivery - CABV Joint
Venture - Water - Non
Infrastructure
What happened?
At approx. 08:45, survey works were being undertaken of the outgoing busbars by the panel manufacturer,
located within an existing mains/generator changeover panel. Prior to the work starting, the panel that was to
be surveyed had been isolated by the TW AP(E) and witnessed by the IP. A Permit to Work was subsequently
issued to the IP, authorising him to inspect the LV busbars. However, during the survey the IP removed a rear
panel that gave him access to a set of live busbars, which were beyond the isolated part of the panel. Whilst in
the process of visually checking in the non-isolated panel, the IP’s metal tape measure made contact with two
live busbars, resulting in electrical burns to his right hand, between his thumb and forefinger. The IP was
subsequently treated for first aid and received medical treatment in hospital.
Immediate actions:
The site team were stood down to ensure the incident area remained secure from individuals, all site
personnel were requested to remain within the welfare cabin. The whole site was electrically isolated by
the external supplier to allow the area to be made safe and investigated. The Managing Director and SHE
Director of the Parent organisation attended site to provide support to the team at Ufton Nervet.
Safety message:
Change Management – The IP was aware of his scope of work and limitation of access. However, discussions
outside of his scope of work led to a change in the environment resulting in his decision to access the rear
panel of the mains / generator changeover panel. Risk Assessment and Method Statement – Always ensure
RAMS are specific to the task. RAMS must contain HOLD points, give a clear scope of work and clearly identify
limitations of access. Always ensure that the risk assessment is specific to the task. Supervision – Those that
supervise must challenge unsafe behaviours and be aware that when the working environment changes, so will
the risk.
Responsible Manager:
John Kingdon
2020/21 LTI 003 7th May 2020 Boars Hill Reservoir, Operations - Operational Projects
Oxfordshire & Logistics - Contractors - Sodexo
What happened?
A grounds maintenance operative was operating a powered walk-behind mower, cutting grass as part of the
Grounds Maintenance contract. During this operation the mower came too close to a metal fence and the
operative's hand was trapped between the fence and the mower handle. The injured person went to hospital
where a broken thumb was diagnosed. The IP is recovering.
Immediate actions:
Work stopped and the operative was taken to hospital.
Safety message:
Always retain situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings and interact with them in a safe manner.
Responsible Manager:
Justin Lambourne2020/21 LTI 002 7th May 2020 Beckton SPG Operations - Waste Treatment -
North East
What happened?
During planned periodic maintenance, two maintenance operatives were removing a bearing from a shaft.
Using a scaffold tube to lever the shaft, the bearing was being pulled off of the shaft. The shaft slipped trapping
the injured persons thumb between bearing housing and casing.
Immediate actions:
The work was stopped whilst reviewing the safe system of work and the IP attended the hospital where it
was later confirmed that his left thumb bone had been chipped.
Safety message:
Ensure the right tools and equipment to do the task are available and the appropriate and sufficient risk
assessment is carried out for the task.
Responsible Manager:
Marlon Esau
2020/21 LTI 001 21st April 2020 Kings Road, London Operations - Water Network -
SW3 Central North - Thames Water
What happened?
With the help of a colleague, a Network Service Technician were operating a stiff valve which suddenly
released causing the NST to stumble and fall on his right knee. With a slight discomfort he finished his night
shift but did not raise any concern. He returned home safely and woke up the following morning, finding his
knee was swollen, and that he couldn’t walk properly. He has been advised to rest and take anti-inflammatory
for 3 days.
Immediate actions:
The valve was opened and both employees completed their night shift, however failed to notify their line
management of the incident or of any concerns.
Safety message:
Should any safety related incident occur, whether or not an injury resulted, you should stop work and notify
your supervisor / line manager.
Responsible Manager:
Matthew Banks
Previous lost time injuries 2019/20
2019/20 LTI 044 9th March 2020 Greenwich Pumping Strategic Pumping and Trunk
Station Sewers (Central)
What happened?
TW operative was involved in clearing up oil leak that had occurred at pumping station. Whilst entering and
leaving the area, oil was transferred to a staircase causing it steps to become slippery. The operative was
descending the stairs when he lost his footing and he jarred his arm and shoulder when grabbing the handrail
to steady himself.
Immediate actions:
The clean up was completed, including the staircase which was then subsequently painted with anti-slip paint.
The wider team were stood down and briefed on the incident.Safety message:
You should continue to be aware of your surroundings and in particular changing conditions which may be as a
result of the work that you are doing or other external factors. Continuing to ensure that the work area is free
from slip hazards, and that new slip hazards are not created where possible, and that where they are everyone
is made aware. Always ensure your foot wear is in good condition and you always maintain 3 points of contact.
Responsible Manager:
Tom Ingram - Site COP and Performance Manager
2019/20 LTI 043 4th March 2020 Mantle Lodge, Operations - Water Network -
Bourne End SL8 5DR Thames Valley - KCD
What happened?
A contractor employee received cuts to their hand after they attempted to retrieve gloves from the door
pocket of their work vehicle. Earlier in the day, they had placed some poly-pipe cutters into this pocket along
with their gloves. These had remained open and the individual cut their hands on the open blades.
Immediate actions:
First Aid given and then injured person attended hospital for further treatment.
Safety message:
All cutting tools MUST be stored in a manner that dies not leave a hazard.
Responsible Manager:
Thomas Young
2019/20 LTI 042 10th February 2020 OFF SITE: OTHER (HS2 Capital Delivery - SMB JV - Water –
Euston 42” Main) Infrastructure
What happened?
IP was climbing down the ladder into a 2.5m deep excavation he lost his footing and fell backwards off of the
access ladder to the bottom of the excavation, landing on his backside/lower back on the gravel base. The IP
was wearing a full body harness but had not clipped onto the fall arrest system provided.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
IP recovered from area and taken to hospital
Safety message:
Slips, Trips and Falls campaign distribute to all sites and safety hub.
Responsible Manager:
Lee Hewitt – SMB JV
2019/20 LTI 041 10th February 2020 STW:Bordon Operations - Waste Treatment -
South West
What happened?
IP was climbing down the ladder into a 2.5m deep excavation he lost his footing and fell backwards off of the
access ladder to the bottom of the excavation, landing on his backside/lower back on the gravel base. The IP
was wearing a full body harness but had not clipped onto the fall arrest system provided.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
IP recovered from area and taken to hospital
Safety message:
Slips, Trips and Falls campaign distribute to all sites and safety hub.Responsible Manager:
Lee Hewitt – SMB JV
2019/20 LTI 040 7th February 2020 SMB JV:Water Infra ( HS2 Capital Delivery - SMB JV -
Euston 42” Main) Water – Infrastructure
What happened?
Whilst S/C (Bore hole specialists) have been dismantling a rig on site they have left a bore hole uncovered and
part of the IP’s foot stood over the hole and he has twisted his ankle.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Hole covered
Safety message:
Slips, Trips and Falls campaign distribute to all sites and safety hub.
Responsible Manager:
Lee Hewitt – SMB JV
2019/20 LTI 039 6th February 2020 OFF SITE:CARRIAGEWAY Operations-Water Network-
Central South-KCD
What happened?
A contractor employee was retrieving fittings from the back of his vehicle when he lost his footing, falling
backwards and landing on the ground on / striking his left elbow.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The injured person could not move his elbow and was taken to Kings College Hospital A&E with a suspected
fracture.
Safety message:
Always be sure of and check your surroundings and immediate work area.
Responsible Manager:
Kate Cassali
2019/20 LTI 038 31st January 2020 Melvin Road, Croydon, SE20 Operations-Water Network-
8EU Trunk Mains & Project
Support-Agility
What happened?
Operative was assisting in offloading a 4.8m x 2.4m A393 Re-Bar mesh panel, weighing 70.96kg from the 8
wheeler tipper body. The driver of the vehicle was inside the tipper body and manually handling the mesh to
the operative on the ground. During the offloading the mesh slipped and bounced. A section of the mesh came
down on the operative's right safety boot, striking the boot to the rear of the protective toe cap, subsequently
piercing through the leather material and damaging the skin webbing in between the IP'S 4th and 5th toes.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The injured person was attended to by a First Aider and then transported to Lewisham A&E, where he was kept
overnight whilst receiving treatment.
Safety message:
Ensure all tasks are properly planned and assessed. Consider what the correct equipment is for the task, and
ensure this is available and made use of.
Responsible Manager:Michael Clarke
2019/20 LTI 037 28th January 2020 Walnut Court-F04 Customer Experience-
Customer Contact-
Outsource process and
performance
What happened?
A Thames Water employee was sat at her desk, when she lent over to look at her colleague's screen to help her
with a query. The chair wheels got caught in a fault in the carpet, causing the chair to tip and she fell to the
floor. After work she went to hospital to check as she was in pain. They confirmed that she had fractured four
bones in her hand.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
At the time the chair was checked over (black Orangebox, 5 wheel) and no faults were found. All other surfaces
and equipment seemed OK. The following day (29th January) the team checked the area of the incident - noted
hard ridge in carpeting as a result of desk installation, that could cause the chair to stop and momentum cause
it to tip.
Safety message:
This incident highlights the need to regularly inspect the workplace to ensure that it is free from hazards and
obstructions that could result in injury incidents.
Responsible Manager:
Sandra Davie
2019/20 LTI 036 28th January 2020 Guildford STW Operations - Operational
Projects & Logistics -
Logistics - Delivery
What happened?
A Thames Water employee was disconnecting a 6” delivery hose from the rear of his tanker, when he tripped
whilst stepping over the hose and fell onto the coupling. He sustained a cut to his left leg and bruising to both
wrists.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Because of the extent of injury, the injured person went to the hospital to get checked and treated for the
wound.
Safety message:
Always be aware of your surroundings, ensuring your immediate work area is clear of hazards. Take additional
care where there are obstructions that cannot be moved.
Responsible Manager:
Martin Elford
2019/20 LTI 035 30th December 2019 Riverside STW Operations - Waste
Treatment - North East
What happened?
Process Control Engineer was carrying out his daily site walk. Whilst inspecting LL1 inlet screen launder chute,
he tripped sustaining a fracture to the right wrist.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Area was checked for trip hazards - a chequer plate was found to be 5mm proud of its surroundings. Site staff
were stood down, made aware of the injury incident and reminded to take care and to be aware of their
surroundings whilst undertaking duties.Safety message:
Ensure all ground conditions/chequer plates are inspected as a matter of precaution to identify any potential
trip hazards.
Responsible Manager:
Leigh Hughes
2019/20 LTI 034 20th December 2019 Deephams STW Operations - Waste
Treatment - North Central
What happened?
On the 20th December a colleague was working at Deephams STW unblocking the washpactor screw on storm
screens 4 and 5. The employee was using an improvised tool (scaffold pole), which slipped crushing his left
thumb between the tool and the machinery. The injured person was taken to hospital in a taxi where he was
diagnosed with a fractured thumb.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The machine had already been isolated and was safe. The injury was caused by an unsafe practice.
Safety message:
Always risk assess the task and ensure that the correct tool for the task is used. If the correct tools are not
available, the task should be halted and assistance from management sought.
Responsible Manager:
Simon Hepworth
2019/20 LTI 033 16th December 2019 Lower office (described in Stroud Green
initial report as a basement) (Croydon) STROU1ZZ
What happened?
The injured person tripped on an uneven floor within their office environment. They fell and twisted ankle and
grazed her knee and reported a sore arm. It was later found that the person had broken their ankle.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Area has been cordoned off.
Safety message:
It is important that defects and hazards are reported and then actioned promptly to ensure our people remain
safe.
Responsible Manager:
Mathew Smiley
2019/20 LTI 032 5th December 2019 OFF Operations - Water Network -
SITE:Footpath Metering Delivery - AMP6
Water Contractors - MGJV (Bulk
Metering)
What happened?
The injured person sustained a ligament injury to their shoulder whilst trying to pull the starting toggle rope on
a Stihl saw.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The saw was isolated, and quarantined pending investigation and suitability checks.Safety message:
Sports personnel warm up prior to undertaking their sporting activity to prevent injuries to cold and tight
muscles. This is no different in the workplace, warming up before attempting manual handling activities will
build physical resilience and help prevent muscular injury.
Responsible Manager:
Bernard Luckey
2019/20 LTI 031 4th December 2019 SPS:Bramley No2 Operations - Waste Network CFS
(Tadley) - - Thames Valley Pumping
BRAMP2ZZ
What happened?
IP was walking away from the well cover and had to step off a small concrete edge. He slipped on the
moss/leaves causing the IP to fall to the ground and twist his left knee.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Tech sent on the same day to clear all moss and leaves from site.
Safety message:
Always ensure your route is clear of any slip/trip hazards and clear routes before walking on them. Consider
the working environment on point of work risk assessment
Responsible Manager:
Russell Gray (Field Operations Manager)
2019/20 LTI 030 2nd December 2019 Mogden STW Operations - Operational
Projects & Logistics - Logistics -
Delivery
What happened?
The injured colleague was attempting to connect a 6" hose to the tanker and upon lifting the hose felt a sharp
pain in their lower back.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The injured colleague stopped work immediately, contacted their line manager to inform them of the injury
and sought medical attention.
Safety message:
When undertaking any activity, especially manual handling, use your SHE5 to assess if the activity can be
undertaken safely and ensure you are using the correct lifting techniques for the task. This will reduce stress on
the musculoskeletal system and limit injuries that could result in long-term damage.
Responsible Manager:
Martin Elford
2019/20 LTI 029 20th November 2019 Windall Close, Operations - Waste Network CFS
Upper Norwodd. - Small Sewage Pumping
Croydon. SE192JR Stations
What happened?
Muscle strain affecting the lower back caused when the injured person was attempting a manual handling task
of re-positioning & re-seating a pump in a wet well. The IP was laying face down attempting to attach a mobile
gantry chain hook to the pump then changed to a kneeling position, and it was at this point whilst attempting
to manipulate & re-seat the pump using the gantry, that the injury occurred.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The task was completed and the area made safe by demobilising and closing the wet coversSafety message:
All manual handling activities should be risk assessed, including consideration to how the work place and task
will affect your body posture.
Responsible Manager:
Nicholas Barker - Field Operations Manager
2019/20 LTI 028 6th November 2019 Iver South Sewage Operations – Waste
Dewatering Plant Treatment – South
Mogden Team
What happened?
On the 6thNovember a colleague was working at Iver South Dewatering Plant when he suffered a serious and
life changing injury after he became entrapped in a moving conveyor belt.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
All conveyors isolated and process treatment stopped.
Safety message:
Never allow conveyors to be restarted without checking that all guards are securely in place.
Responsible Manager:
John Penicud
2019/20 LTI 027 5th November 2019 Lea Bridge Road Operations - Waste Network CFS
Depot - AMP6 Waste Contractors -
Lanes Group Plc (North London)
What happened?
Subcontractor: J Browne were working on behalf of Lanes Group, in their Depot located at Lea Bridge
Depot. An operative was carrying a manhole frame and cover to their vehicle, when they tripped over another
manhole cover and frame that had been placed on the floor, resulting in a sprained ankle.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Area has been barriered off and investigation is ongoing.
Safety message:
1. Ensure you are always aware of your environment.
2. Consider use of mechanical means for lifting and manoeuvring any loads
3. Ensure the route to be taken is route when moving items around.
4. Ensure good housekeeping is adhered to at all times.
Responsible Manager:
Kris Taylor – Lanes Group PLC / Paul McMahon – J Browne Group
2019/20 LTI 026 29/10/2019 Nine Elms, Covent Garden Capital Delivery - CABV JV -
Wastewater - Infrastructure
Market, Battersea
What happened?
The team on site were in the process of constructing a new waste pumping station and associated pipework to
intercept the foul element of a combined sewer.
During an activity of fitting frames and sheet piles in readiness for the installation of the new pumping station
they were using a 13t excavator to lower each sheet pile in to position, a total of 24 sheets were due to be
installed. Whilst in the process of lowering the 22nd sheet pile the IP decided to step in and use a 1 metre bar toassist the sheet into position. As the IP was holding the bar with his right hand and signalling to the excavator
operative with his left, the bar became stuck between the frame and the sheet forcing the bar inwards. As a
result, the IP had his right thumb trapped between the inner side of the bar and the sheet resulting in a broken
bone in his right thumb.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The work was stopped immediately, and the area made safe.
Safety message:
Do not place yourselves in the line of fire and keep out of restriction zones next to operating plant or
machinery. Always follow the agreed method or process to undertake an activity stated in your safe system of
work or risk assessment.
If this cannot be achieved, STOP work and report to your supervisor or manager to review an alternative
approach.
Responsible Manager:
John Kingdom
2019/20 LTI 025 7th October 2019 Beckton STW Operations – Waste Water Treatment –
North East
What happened?
On the 7th October a colleague was working at Beckton STW when he hot water pressure cleaner gun he was
using detached from the hose, causing hot water to soak into the top of his safety boots and burn his ankle.
Immediate actions to make the area safe
Hose connection was replaced. 1st Aid treatment was applied to the burn.
Safety message
Ensure the choice of PPE is suitable for the task.
Responsible Manager
Josh Wood
2019/20 LTI 024 2nd October 2019 37 AISGILL AVENUE, Operations - Water
W14 9NF Network - Essential Water
Services - Eastern North
What happened?
A team were working at a customer’s property to fix a leak and needed to cut out the old 15mm copper supply
pipe, whilst working at the point of entry around some clay ducting the operative slipped and caught his
knuckle on the edge of the ducting, causing a deep cut.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The area was made safe and the injured person attended a local hospital for treatment.
Safety message:
Always ensure you are wearing the correct gloves to protect against cuts, disposable gloves ARE NOT PPE and
MUST NOT be worn without an approved hand protective glove.
Ensure the work area is clean and tidy and free from debris or jagged/ sharp edges before starting any task.
DO NOT put yourselves in harm’s way.
Responsible Manager:
Paul McKenna2019/20 LTI 023 30th September 2019 Coppermills WTW Operations - Water
Production – London North
East
What happened?
A Slow Sand Filter bed operative was getting into a Dumper and stood on the platform above the wheel to pin
the door back. In doing so they lost their footing and slipped off the dumper (approximately a 1.5m drop) and
scraped their side on the dumper (scrape on left hip around size of a hand).
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The area and equipment were inspected, and no faults found. The injured person did not need first aid and
continued to work for most of the day.
Safety message:
Ensure adequate assessment is undertaken prior to starting - this should include access to the work area and
take account of weather conditions.
Responsible Manager:
Eleanor Reynolds
2019/20 LTI 022 30th September 2019 Ryemeads STW OPAL - Logistics Delivery
What happened?
A Thames Water operative was attempting to enter his vehicle when he slipped from the steps and injured his
back. This resulted in two broken ribs and more than seven days off work.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Vehicle was taken out of service, steps were closely examined for any defects, the lighting was checked in the
area and drivers’ hours reviewed. All of these were within normal operational parameters.
Safety message:
Use your SHE5 before undertaking all activities, be vigilant of your surroundings, especially during changing
weather conditions. Always maintain three-point contact when entering and entering the vehicle.
Responsible Manager:
Martin Elford
2019/20 LTI 021 19th September 2019 Coppermills WTW Operations – Water Production
– London North East
What happened?
The injured person (IP) was walking across uneven ground in poor light conditions to complete a task on site at
approx. 22:00hrs in the evening. The area was poorly lit as most of the fixed lighting was not working and the
temporary lights were not plugged in. The IP was walking along a temporary route across some uneven ground.
Due to the darkness they misjudged the gradient. Their left foot landed awkwardly and resulted in them
twisting their ankle.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
Staff have access to torches and temporary lighting issue has now been resolved.
Safety message:
Ensure access / egress from the work area is assessed as part of the SHE5 / POWRA for the job and appropriate
controls put in place. This must consider changing light conditions where works may continue into the
evening.
Responsible Manager:Burthlan Webb
2019/20 LTI 020 19th September 2019 Naggs Head STW OPAL - Logistics Delivery
What happened?
A Thames Water operative parked his tanker close to the discharge point, due to the hose being of insufficient
length. He connected the hose and was walking back along the kerb line in-between the vehicle and the
discharge point. He slipped from the kerb and injured his left ankle. This resulted in him being off work for five
days.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
A longer hose has been installed, which provides enough room for the driver to connect safely.
Safety message:
Use your SHE5 and assess the area before starting work. If circumstances change, stop, reassess and if required
report to your line manager.
Responsible Manager:
Martin Elford
2019/20 LTI 019 16th September 2019 Datchet Water Water Networks –
Networks Depot Thames Valley - KCD
What happened?
The IP was on standby to repair leaks in the Thames Valley water network area. He was on his second job and
needed to collect a 4” ductile iron pipe from the depot. He was in the storage area and stepped onto a 300mm
pipe to reach for the required one for his task, when he lost his footing. His right ankle rolled causing him to
lose his balance and fall on top of his right foot.
Immediate actions to make the area safe:
The IP ensured the area was safe and attended hospital for treatment.
The Storage area has since been reorganised to ensure there is a clear walkway for safe access.
Safety message:
Be aware of your surroundings and working environment, always ensure you have a clear route when
accessing any congested areas. NEVER use equipment to stand on unless it is designed for you to do so and
always ensure you have clear visibility and adequate lighting when working in darkness or poorly lit areas.
Responsible Manager:
Emma SteelYou can also read
