Implemented as part of Sue’s Safety Challenge during the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project 2019-2020
What: Reusable water bottles
Whose idea? Sue Threader, Bridge Clerk
Why? The human body is two thirds water, which means staying hydrated is important for our health. An internet search on the benefits of regularly drinking water reveals anything from increased energy levels to better concentration, with further suggested benefits including preventing headaches, constipation and dizziness.
Reusable water bottles are important for all of us in the battle against single-use plastics. On an engineering site such as the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project, reusable water bottles are also important from a health and safety point of view.
When a person is fully kitted-out in PPE, opening a bottle of water is not the easiest of tasks. Gloves can make it difficult to twist the cap, and dust on the gloves can clog up the mouthpiece. You can’t leave the lid off the bottle because then dust can settle in the water too.
Implemented? Yes. The Rochester Bridge Trust has recently purchased a box of branded reusable water bottles for use by FM Conway on the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project. As well as being made of 35% recycled material, the bottles have sealed caps that release water when squeezed, so there’s no need to fight with a bottle cap or pull at an opening with your teeth.
Not having a lid means there’s less chance of small parts falling into the river and causing damage to wildlife.
They also all have a space to write your name – meaning there’s no danger of mixing your water bottle up with anyone else’s.