LTI: foot injury after standing on rotating winch drum

What happened?

An AB was taking part in a task to re-spool a wire onto an aft deck tugger winch, when he climbed onto the side of the tugger winch and, whilst stood there, the rotating winch drum trapped both his feet.  His injuries include a fractured foot and severe abrasions. 

His boots (proper personal protective equipment (PPE)) prevented a much more serious injury.

What went wrong?

• The crewman failed to identify the hazards associated with the tugger winch;
• None of his colleagues intervened or told him to stop when they might easily have STOPPED the job’ when he put himself in the line of fire;
• The risk assessment was inadequate – it did not include this particular hazard associated with the tugger winch.

What actions were taken?  What lessons were learned?

• “Hazard hunt” focusing on winches and the hazards associated with them;
• Review of risk assessments related to deck operations to ensure that the hazards associated with winches are captured;
• Someone was injured because no-one intervened or stopped the job; remind all that it’s OK to STOP the job if it’s unsafe. 

Members may wish to refer to:

• Hydraulic umbilical winch operation – trapped thumb
• LTI: Tugger winch incident (MSF)
• Winching equipment (2000)