Falling steel plates caused leg injury
Experience Feedback In heavy weather, in the course of routine rounds in his watch, the 4/E noticed that steel plates stowed in a storage rack against a bulkhead were inadequately secured and were beginning to move. Without considering the hazards or informing the senior watchkeeping engineer (2/E), he decided to re-stow the plates and re-secure the rack unassisted. During this process, the vessel suddenly rolled heavily.The plates toppled, trapping and crushing the 4/E's left leg. The 2/E, who was in the workshop at the time, heard the noise of the falling plates and a cry from the trapped 4/E. He immediately rushed to the location and sounded the emergency alarm. The Emergency Team assembled and rescued the 4/E, who was immediately given first aid. Due to the serious injury, and under radio medical advice, the vessel deviated to the nearest port, from where the injured crewmember was flown to Singapore in an air ambulance, for further medical treatment to his broken leg.Root cause/contributory factors1. Failure to inform other personnel of a hazardous situation and failure to seek assistance;2. Lack of experience and awareness - the young 4/E did not understand the risks in attempting to re-stow and re-secure the steel ...
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