In its latest Safety Flashes, IMCA reiterated a Lost Time Injury case, communicated by the Marine Safety Forum earlier in 2018. Not long after a vessel departed port, a crew member suffered a serious cut to his hand which led to an LTI.
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.
The incident
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 onboard; 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.
Actions taken
The offending sharp edge was quickly covered to prevent further injury. The crew member had only been onboard for two days and it is likely that he was not fully appraised or aware of the hazards in his new work area.
We would like to re-enforce each crew member is responsible for ensuring their own work site remains safe and hazard free at all times which is then followed up by area inspections as carried out monthly by the vessel Safety Officer.
