LTI: cut to hand from protruding hose clip (Marine Safety Forum)

The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has released the below safety alert 18-10.

What happened?

Not long after a vessel departed port, a crew member suffered a serious cut to his hand which led to an LTI. The incident occurred when he was carrying boxes through the galley and caught his hand on the sharp edge of a hose clip protruding in the transit area. First Aid was administered on-board; however, the Master deemed further medical attention was required and the vessel returned to port. The crew member was sent ashore to the local hospital where medication and seven stitches were applied. The crew member was subsequently declared unfit for work for seven days.

What actions were taken?

The offending sharp edge was quickly covered to prevent further injury. The crew member had only been on-board for two days and it is likely that he was not fully appraised or aware of the hazards in his new work area.

The full alert can be found on the MSF website.

This incident is brought to the attention of IMCA members because this was an avoidable injury with costly consequences, in that the vessel had to return to port and the injured person was unfit for work for seven days.

Members may wish to look at the following incident:

• Crewman suffers cut to hand – but gloves prevented it being much worse

Members may also wish to look at the following safety video:

• Watch your hands