Needles on site- your job as a tree team?

[karl1991]

It would depend on the site, if there was one needle I'd probably crack on put it in a sharps box, if the site was littered I think it would be reasonable for the situation to be addressed appropriately. Either through proper training and equipment, or a third party.

 

In situations like this I always look at the 'real risk' to myself and my team. If it's genuinely not safe walk away

 

R

 

As I have done in the past. Another thing that has also become apparent is our contracts manager is putting removal in with the job. Line crossed?

[TheHungrySquirrel]

When I have worked on jobs with a few needles around. Normally put some leather gloves on, grabber for picking them up and hold the sharp box with another grabber.

 

Worst time for injury is putting them into the boxes. Be safe out there.

[roseyweb]

Ask to go sharps course

[ukminch]

As I have done in the past. Another thing that has also become apparent is our contracts manager is putting removal in with the job. Line crossed?

 

Refer him to the toolbox talk! Easier said than done though in real life, if we don't get work done, we don't get paid

[karl1991]

Asked that earlier in march. Also still waiting for bump caps to wear instead of helmets when weeding. Ridiculous

[felixthelogchopper]

Asked that earlier in march. Also still waiting for bump caps to wear instead of helmets when weeding. Ridiculous

 

So your risk assessment calls for head protection for weeding but expects you to deal with sharps without training or correct equipment?

[penfold]

Bump caps for weeding?

[karl1991]

Exactly my point.

[penfold]

If you were weeding by hand under a low structure such as a piece of sculpture, then fair does but would you be wearing them all the time?

[Phil71]

Another option is to spend so long on clearing needles and not doing the tree work that the company loses money on the job. If there are lots of needles I would still refuse.