Sharp objects threat to workers

13 February 2015

A rubbish contractor was lucky to escape injury when a needle and syringe was carelessly left in a recycling bin this month.

The needle punctured the Envirowaste contractor's gloves after being left in a recycling bin on Henry Hill Road in Taupo. The gloves are designed to resist sharp objects so the contractor was not hurt, but Taupo District Council asset manager of stormwater and solid waste Brent Aitken said it was purely good luck he was not injured.

Putting items like this in the rubbish or recycling poses a real danger to contractors handling rubbish bags and bins every day, he said. We don't want it to happen again in the future. Ensuring our contractors are safe is a priority for us.

Council staff have spoken with residents in the houses near where the syringe was found but Mr Aitken said he wanted the whole community to be aware of the consequences of thoughtless disposal of sharp objects.

While contractors often encountered sharp objects, this incident was particularly concerning given the potential for the contractor to be affected by illness.

Things like unwrapped glass and kebab skewers also posed a danger. These often stab through the bag and can injure those handling them, Mr Aitken said. The safest thing to do is to wrap any sharp objects in newspaper. Kebab sticks should be broken up first.

We need to look after our contractors so they can continue to provide a great service, Mr Aitken said.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz