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Two recent cases of hand and arm injuries

The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published two recent safety flashes regarding incidents in which personnel have injured their hands or arms.

In the first incident, a crewman cut the palm of his hand on a sharp edge found on a door finishing strip. On investigation of the door in question an unexpected razor sharp steel burr (ragged edge) was discovered. This was most likely caused by the cutting process of the steel during the manufacture of the door. Other similar doors onboard were checked and some of these also had the same sharp edge.

The report can be downloaded from marinesafetyforum.org/upload-files//safetyalerts/msf-safety-flash-12.25.pdf

In the second incident, which occurred during mooring operations, a crewman got his hand trapped between the mooring line and a roller fairlead on deck. As his hand was dragged around the fairlead his arm was twisted and fractured.

The report can be downloaded from marinesafetyforum.org/upload-files//safetyalerts/msf-safety-flash-12.26.pdf

Members are reminded to encourage personnel to look after their hands and arms. IMCA produces a range of pocket safety cards covering aspects of hand and arm safety:


IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

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IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.