Safety Alert - Finger Laceration

What happened?

 A Furmanite technician was using a retractable utility knife to open a box of leak sealing supplies. The employee sneezed causing a sudden movement of the utility knife resulting in a laceration to the left index finger requiring sutures. The employee was wearing leather gloves at the time of the injury.  

What went wrong?
 More appropriate PPE could have been used during this task that could have prevented the injury (cut resistant gloves manufactured with Kevlar®, Aramid® or other cut resistant material.)
 Employee did not recognize the potential new hazard of a sudden movement of the utility knife due to sneezing and did not stop work.
 Employee did not ensure his off-hand (non-working hand) was not in the line of fire while performing the cut.


How do we Prevent from Happening Again?
Emphasize to all employees the proper PPE required when using sharp tools (i.e. cut resistant gloves).

Emphasize to all employees the importance of recognizing all hazards involved in every job or task….even those that seem simple or routine.

What actions do I take?

• Conduct a Safety stand down and review this Safety Alert with all Furmanite employees worldwide.