Safety Alert Sydney Water

1. Authorisation
and contact
Issued by: Carolyn Haupt, Wastewater & Recycled Water Product,
Customer Delivery
Ph: 0417 279 886
Expiry date July 2019 Page 1 of 1
Cut on hand leading to infection
Attention: Sydney Water employees and contractors.
Alert number: 09
July 2018
Situation
A Production Officer was cleaning out a centrifuge chute at Warriewood
Wastewater Treatment Plant. Their hand slipped and contacted a metal cover,
which caused their latex gloves to rip and caused a minor wound to the hand
(grazed knuckles). First aid was applied, including cleaning and covering the
wound. The following day, the wound was severely swollen and required
admission to hospital for treatment of an infection.
Risks Any wound, including minor wounds such as grazes, have the potential to become
infected leading to more serious injuries. Correct first aid treatment and medical
treatment is important in the management of wounds. The risk is higher when working
around wastewater, sludge and biosolids.
Immediate
actions
• Worker stopped the job and First Aid was applied and wound cleaned and covered
a
Corrective
actions
o Risk assess all tasks to ensure appropriate gloves are used for the task (eg.
waterproof gloves, abrasion resistant gloves). Consider wearing waterproof gloves
underneath abrasion resistant gloves if multiple risks are present.
o Report and seek help immediately from a qualified First Aider to manage any wounds
or cuts sustained in the workplace.
o Refresh First Aid requirements for open wounds or cuts and refer to Safety Data
Sheets (SDS) for treatment. If medical attention is required, ensure you take the SDS
to the doctor to assist with diagnosis.
o Ensure all cuts, grazes or wounds are covered to prevent infection, particularly if your
work involves exposure to wastewater or other biological contaminants.
o Consider the contaminants involved when treating a workplace cut or graze. If it is
likely the open wound has come into contact with biological hazards (ie wastewater,
wastewater sludge) there is a higher potential for infection. In these cases, seek
medical treatment to manage the risk of infection early.
o Conduct hand/glove safety awareness toolbox available on iConnect