Best Safety Moment Entry: Port of London Authority

Exposure to sharps and bio‑hazardous waste

The Port of London Authority’s Marine Services team raised concerns about potential exposure to sharps and bio‑hazardous waste while undertaking foreshore clearance at Lime Kiln Dock. Although no injuries had occurred, employees expressed anxiety about infection risks and requested vaccinations before continuing work. This prompted a deeper review that went beyond physical hazards and highlighted the importance of psychological safety, and a just culture in enabling open reporting.

A site‑based assessment by the Health & Safety Business Partner identified that while existing controls were broadly effective, several improvements were needed to strengthen protection and reassure the workforce. These included enhanced PPE, clearer biohazard controls, improved manual handling practices, and better hygiene facilities. The review also reinforced the value of a just culture: employees felt confident raising concerns, and their feedback directly shaped the improvements implemented. The initiative demonstrated how listening to frontline workers, validating their concerns, and responding transparently can significantly improve both safety outcomes and trust. The Lime Kiln Dock review became a catalyst for wider conversations about risk perception, and the importance of psychological safety in high‑risk environments. It showcased the PLA’s commitment to proactive safety management and to empowering employees to speak up before incidents occur.

This safety moment reflects a mature safety culture where concerns are welcomed, acted upon, and used to drive meaningful change.

Why was the project needed?

Foreshore clearance at Lime Kiln Dock routinely exposes Marine Services crews to unpredictable environments, including uneven terrain, debris, and occasional bio‑hazardous waste. Although no needle‑stick injuries had ever been reported, employees expressed concern about the potential for sharps exposure and requested vaccinations before continuing work. This was a clear indicator of two things:

1. A perceived gap in protection, and
2. A strong willingness to speak up, demonstrating psychological safety within the team.

The PLA recognised the importance of responding constructively. The concern was not dismissed; instead, it triggered a comprehensive review to ensure risks were fully understood and controls remained robust.

What happened?

A site‑based assessment was conducted by the Health & Safety Business Partner, who reviewed working conditions, observed tasks, and engaged directly with operatives. The review confirmed that existing controls were in place but identified several areas for improvement:

• Uneven ground increased the risk of slips and trips. Crews were reminded to avoid unstable debris and maintain situational awareness.
• Flying debris posed a risk during windy conditions, prompting reinforced guidance on weather‑based work stoppages and eye protection.
• Sharps hazards were present but generally low‑risk, with most needles capped. Controls were strengthened by sourcing puncture‑resistant gloves and commissioning additional sharps and biohazard training.
• Manual handling risks were addressed through bespoke training tailored to Marine Services tasks.
• Biohazard controls were improved with a portable cleaning unit, reinforced hygiene protocols, and clearer expectations for equipment preparation and decontamination.

An Occupational Hygienist was consulted to provide independent assurance. Their assessment confirmed that infection risk from sharps in this environment is extremely low when controls are applied correctly. This evidence helped guide a proportionate response and supported HR in determining vaccination requirements.

How was success measured?

Success was evaluated through several indicators:

• Employee confidence and engagement: Workers reported feeling heard, supported, and reassured by the transparent review process.
• Improved control measures: New PPE, enhanced hygiene facilities, and bespoke training directly addressed the concerns raised.
• Strengthened just culture: The initiative reinforced that raising concerns leads to action, not blame.
• Psychological safety conversations: The Lime Kiln Dock review opened wider dialogue about wellbeing, strengthening the PLA’s proactive safety culture.
• Zero incidents: Work continued safely with no sharps injuries, reinforcing the effectiveness of the updated controls.

This safety moment demonstrates how early reporting, open dialogue, and collaborative problem‑solving can prevent incidents and build trust.

The Lime Kiln Dock initiative exemplifies the PLA’s commitment to continuous improvement and a just culture. The process was intentionally collaborative: employees raised concerns, supervisors supported them, and the HS&W team responded with a structured, evidence‑based review. This reinforced that psychological safety is not abstract — it directly improves operational safety.

The improvements implemented (including puncture‑resistant gloves, bespoke manual handling training, enhanced hygiene facilities, and clearer operational protocols) were all shaped by frontline insight. The introduction of a portable cleaning unit, for example, was a direct response to workers’ concerns about hygiene after handling biohazards.

This safety moment has since been shared internally as an example of positive reporting culture. It demonstrates that when employees feel safe to speak up, organisations can address risks before they escalate.

The initiative not only improved safety at Lime Kiln Dock but also strengthened trust, engagement, and the PLA’s wider safety culture.