Worker's lucky escape from discarded knife in North Bersted

The man was fortunate to avoid injury after he picked up the rubbish bag which contained the kitchen knife.

The knife was uncovered and protruded through the sack when he picked it up and saw it miss his arm by just a few inches.

The recent incident involving the employee with Arun District Council's refuse contractor, Verdant, has prompted a reminder to residents not to include knives among their household refuse.

Knives should be disposed of only in a clearly-marked red wheelie bin in the reception area of Bognor Regis police station in London Road.

It is open to the public between 10am and 8pm on weekdays and from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Cllr Roger Elkins, Arun's cabinet member for community safety, said: "It is obviously extremely dangerous to place knives or any sharp objects in waste sacks.

"Anyone who handles these bags afterwards could be seriously injured if they unwittingly come into contact with them."

Other potentially-hazardous objects, such as broken glass and pottery, should also be put among household rubbish only with great care, said Cllr Elkins.

"These items can also cause damage if not disposed of carefully," he added.

"We would advise all sharp objects such as these are either wrapped up in newspaper or, alternatively, placed in a small cardboard box before being placed in residents' refuse sacks or bins."

Verdant business manager Louise Greenfield-Parker said: "The health and safety of our staff is of great concern to us.

"We urge everyone who uses the waste service in Arun to think carefully before placing any potentially-hazardous objects into their bins."