Topic
Hand and Finger Injuries
Reported injury to hands or fingers and prevention specific to those injuries.
Newest 100 Documents
All 474 in search- 202614 May
Worker suffered crush injury while handling unstable steel plates
A worker holding vertically balanced steel plates sustained hand, wrist and finger fractures when a plate toppled, trapping their hand and wrist. The flash examines temporary storage, removed sea fastenings, limited workspace and inadequate task risk assessment, highlighting how local conditions and past experience shaped the work.
- 202624 Mar
Person injured when pry bar slipped
A crew member fractured a right-hand knuckle after a pry bar slipped while refitting a dislodged vehicle track. The flash discusses circumstantial pressure from worsening weather, amendments to the job safety analysis and the possibility that impact gloves might have reduced injury severity without preventing it.
- 202517 Nov
Fingertip crush injury sustained during lifting operation
A rigger suffered fingertip crush injuries while guiding a pressure cap weighing over 2000 kg onto grillage. Its collar lowered as designed when the inner section landed, trapping fingers. Preliminary findings highlight equipment-specific lift planning, hands-free lifting, discussion of load hazards and stop-work authority.
- 202517 Nov
Slipped on stairs, broken finger
A worker slipped while descending stairs and fractured the tip of his right ring finger when his supporting hand was trapped beneath his weight. The flash describes onboard first aid and same-day treatment arrangements, and stresses handrail use and three points of contact on stairs.
- 202527 Oct
LTI: serious injury to thumb when pipe fell during maintenance
A vessel engineer sustained partial thumb amputation when a grey water pipe fell about 1.4 m during dismantling, trapping his thumb against a supporting clamp plate. The flash examines inadequate securing and hand positioning, recommending primary and secondary retention and a workplace culture that enables staff to challenge unsafe practices.
- 20254 Sep
Hand crushed during coiled tubing reel handling
A worker suffered severe hand injuries and partial amputations of three fingers while aligning a coiled tubing reel into a cradle. A securing frame shifted and trapped the hand. The flash identifies entrapment-prone design, inadequate instructions and incomplete risk assessment, recommending hands-free guiding, equipment familiarisation and improved toolbox talks.
- 20254 Sep
MSF: Grease gun hand injury
A crew member suffered a grease injection injury through a glove while disconnecting a battery-powered grease gun hose during tensioner maintenance. The flash reports a malfunctioning pressure release valve and possible handling and training shortcomings. Lessons emphasise manufacturer instructions, pre-use hose and nipple inspections, suitable gloves and consideration of safer tools.
- 20254 Sep
Two hand injuries caused during mooring
Two mooring incidents involved a hand trapped by a tightening line during rough weather and a finger crushed between a rope and handrail, requiring amputation. Lessons address dedicated fender mooring points, task risk assessment, supervisory roles, stopping unsafe work and considering postponement when weather causes vessel movement.
- 202531 Jul
Diver sustains laceration to right hand
A diver retrieving tooling during air/nitrox diving at 18 m suffered a deep right-thumb laceration when vessel movement parted a weak link and drew his hand towards a snatch block. The flash describes downline slack, hand positioning, full recovery, and changes to the downline arrangement and tool bag to reduce line-of-fire exposure.
- 20253 Jul
LTI: Hand injury during capstan maintenance
A crew member suffered a serious hand injury while greasing a vessel capstan when rotation trapped his hand between an underside wire clamp and the deck. The flash examines difficult access and grease-gun design, describing grease-point extensions, clamp removal, revised maintenance procedures and wider inspections for line-of-fire hazards.
- 202520 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 503 - Personnel Burned by Fire due to Improper Venting of Gas Starters on Engines
BSEE describes two flash fires during attempts to start gas engines driving pipeline pumps. Improperly secured or absent starter exhaust piping allowed gas to accumulate before backfires ignited it, burning workers. Recommendations address safe exhaust routing, component checks, training, startup and maintenance procedures, gas detectors and consideration of temporary fire watches.
- 20254 Jun
Hand injuries dealing with sharp objects
Two incidents involved a cutter slicing through a glove during halyard maintenance and a damaged package rim cutting a crew member’s hand during manual adjustment. Lessons emphasise keeping hands clear of blades, using stable cutting surfaces where possible, wearing suitable protective gloves and inspecting packages for hazards.
- 20254 Jun
Injury to thumb during lifting operations
During vessel demobilisation alongside, a crew member injured his thumb when a crane-held load was lowered onto a flatbed trailer while he repositioned a wooden block. The flash identifies unclear signalling and possible perceived pressure, and recommends lift planning, toolbox talks, agreed communication protocols and safe positioning around loads.
- 20254 Jun
MAIB: LTI – fingers lost during mooring operations
A crew member suffered severe finger injuries while resecuring a tender’s mooring rope during a river transfer. Unequal freeboards produced a steep rope angle, and passing-boat wash moved the tender. The flash highlights entrapment risks and conditional assessment of cleat design and fitting for routine operations.
- 202519 Mar
Finger injury during manual handling
A worker’s finger was crushed while manually manoeuvring a steel bar weighing around 100 kg during shoring disassembly at a land-based site. The bar rolled from a curved pick-ring. Lessons emphasise securing individual components against sudden movement, using appropriate lifting tools and becoming familiar with loads and equipment before starting.
- 202519 Mar
LTI: rope under tension moved and hit person’s hand
A crew member sustained serious finger injuries when a tensioned winch rope jumped a slipway side during equipment recovery to a vessel. The flash identifies sea-induced movement, an unrecognised hazard area and unsuitable vessel design, and describes revised work instructions, a recovery no-go area and task redesign.
- 202523 Jan
Safety Flashes – a review of 2024
Reviews IMCA’s 2024 Safety Flashes, covering 88 member-shared events and 33 drawn from public sources. Highlights line-of-fire exposure, hand and finger injuries, bypassed safety controls, lifting, working at height, equipment failures and dropped objects. Includes a reference list of the year’s flashes and reinforces stop-work authority.
- 202427 Nov
BSEE: recurring hand injuries from alternative cutting devices
This safety flash summarises two offshore workers’ hand lacerations while removing zip ties with alternative cutting devices. One cutter had a damaged protective tip; the other lacked a blade guard and rebounded. BSEE recommends task-specific tool selection, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202427 Nov
LTI: Finger injury during emergency recovery of ROV
During emergency ROV recovery using an FRC and crane, a worker’s left ring finger was pinched while releasing a hook secured to the crane wire, causing amputation to approximately the nail bed. The flash identifies an unplanned, unassessed release step and records revised procedures, risk assessment and regular recovery training.
- 202425 Sep
Injury to little finger – LTI
A painter broke a little finger when an auxiliary winch drum rotated back during cleaning and trapped it against an improvised wooden securing beam. The flash examines lone execution of a two-person task and inadequate task-specific assessment, recommending suitable securing methods, appropriate permits and stopping unsafe work.
- 202425 Sep
Laceration to right index finger
A crew member sustained a right index finger laceration while closing a workshop-container door on a vessel’s deck. Wind and vessel movement accelerated the closure, trapping the finger. Lessons address safer work-area design, door pinch points and awareness of surrounding conditions; heavy-duty automatic door closers were installed.
- 20243 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 487 - Recurring Hand Injuries While Using Alternative Cutting Devices
BSEE describes two hand lacerations during zip-tie cutting with alternative cutting devices: one had a damaged protective tip, and another lacked its blade guard and rebounded. Recommendations for consideration include task-specific tool selection in job safety analysis, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202414 Aug
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
A worker fractured their left little finger between a table and wrench while changing an angle grinder’s wire wheel. The flash identifies an incorrect method, absent formal training, missing impact-resistant gloves and failures in permits, risk assessment and supervision. Actions included revised assessment, formal training and review of supervisors’ responsibilities.
- 202414 Aug
Arm injury from metal skip cover
A crew member suffered an arm injury when an unsecured heavy skip cover closed during waste disposal on a vessel’s deck. No bones were broken, and the person returned to light duties. The flash stresses securing covers, checking closing mechanisms and considering a hazard hunt for similar conditions onboard.
- 202414 Aug
Crew member cut hand on broken glass during heavy weather
A galley worker injured their left hand when a glass slipped, struck the sink and broke during heavy weather aboard a rolling vessel. The injury required seven stitches. The flash highlights awareness of weather-related task risks, pausing to consider hand safety and the additional protection gloves could have provided.
- 202414 Aug
LTI: fingers severed by spinning fan blade
A vessel worker lost three fingers while moving a portable blower during engine-room housekeeping after switching off its power. The fan remained in motion, its guard was inadequate and its handle obstructed. The flash highlights residual momentum, unseen moving parts and the importance of using designated handles and guards.
- 202414 Aug
MSF: Serious hand injury – high pressure air
During a vessel fire drill, a crewmember assisting with breathing apparatus suffered a finger injury from high-pressure air released through a cylinder valve’s pilot vent hole. Surgical treatment was required. The flash relays MSF recommendations on connection tightening, leak checks, breathing checks and low-pressure alarm testing.
- 20242 Jul
UK HSE: Service lifts on offshore and onshore wind turbines
This flash summarises an HSE bulletin following a technician’s serious hand injury involving a wind turbine service lift. It examines inadequate landing-gate guarding and external control positioning, and relays recommendations for immediate design checks, remedial guarding or control relocation, and withdrawal or suitable short-term measures pending completion.
- 202422 May
Hand and finger injuries... Two recent incidents
This safety flash describes two hand injuries: a fractured little finger caused by movement of a moonpool door ram on a flat pallet, and a cut from a sharp-edged ceiling plate. Lessons address thorough task assessment, reassessment when work changes, stopping unsafe work and wearing protective gloves.
- 20241 May
BSEE Safety Alert 485 - Hand Tools Pose Risk to Offshore Personnel
BSEE describes two offshore hand-drill incidents involving gloves caught by drill bits, resulting in an index-finger laceration and a fractured thumb. Operators and contractors are asked to consider measures addressing hand placement, secured workpieces, drill binding, suitable protective equipment, pre-use inspection, tool selection and intact guards.
- 2024May
Service lifts in offshore and onshore wind turbines
Safety notice addressing wind turbine service-lift guarding and external control positioning after a technician sustained serious hand injuries. It calls for immediate design checks, correction of inadequate safeguards, and withdrawal or suitable short-term controls pending completion. Manufacturers and suppliers are directed to address hazards and meet machinery safety requirements.
- 202430 Apr
Trapped finger during mooring operations
A deckhand trapped his right-hand fingers while placing a spliced mooring line over bitts. Insufficient slack and forward vessel movement were identified as immediate causes. The flash discusses familiarisation, supervision, risk assessment and impact gloves, alongside line-handling alternatives and stopping the vessel where practicable.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 75 (Summer 2024)
Confidential maritime reports examine commercial pressure over damaged anchors, laundry and cargo fires, machinery and mooring hand injuries, inadequate provisions and a grounding. Commentary addresses escalation of concerns, bridge coordination, laundry practices, dangerous-goods stowage, machinery isolation and guarding, and keeping hands clear during mooring.
- 202318 Dec
LTI – Finger crushed whilst operating safety gate
A crew member suffered a serious finger injury while raising a hinged fall protection bar to access a crane pedestal platform. His finger became trapped between the bar and handrail at 180 degrees. The flash reports an ongoing investigation, an immediate review of similar arrangements and alternative gates for consideration.
- 202318 Dec
Two hand injuries
Two marine incidents involved a pilot’s knuckle injured by an abruptly closing access hatch and a seaman’s thumb crushed during small-boat mooring. The flash examines hatch securing, bulky backpack access, unassessed pinch points, communication and glove compliance, recommending secured hatches and separate transfer of bulky bags.
- 202318 Dec
Worker cut hand on broken mirror
A vessel crew member suffered a deep left-thumb cut while trying to repair a broken mirror after a cabin door detached. The flash identifies absent planning and risk assessment, unsuitable protection and disregarded instructions to await assistance. It describes first aid, medical attention and subsequent checks of cabin furniture fixings.
- 20236 Dec
LTI: Fingers injured during fender lifting operation
A crew member sustained severe finger injuries when a polypropylene hauling rope jerked under swell-induced tension during fender lifting. The flash examines hand positioning, inadequate task analysis and failure to stop work as conditions changed. It discusses glove limitations, rope slack and prompt onboard medical care.
- 20233 Oct
LTI – fingertip pinched by wire sling
A rigger sustained a serious finger injury while fitting a steel wire sling to a forklift fork, which the operator raised without banksman instructions. The flash identifies complacency, poor communication and inadequate task assessment, and emphasises banksman signals, safe positioning and hazard-focused toolbox briefings.
- 20233 Oct
Serious hand injury during mooring operations
A dock worker sustained a serious hand injury while removing a mooring rope from a bollard during vessel departure preparations. The flash describes insufficient slack, rising tension at the winch and absent messenger or tail lines. It highlights inadequate planning and risk assessment, hand positioning and readiness to stop unsafe work.
- 202312 Sep
Finger injury while setting up pipe cutting operation
A crew member’s middle finger was trapped between a scaffold tube and a pipe cutting machine during vertical setup for jumper repair. A defective inlet valve allowed air to energise the machine. The flash discusses omitted manual setup validation, unsafe hand positioning, revised procedures, toolbox talks, operator training and pre-use inspections.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during lifting operations
A second engineer injured his right middle finger beneath a hydraulic-system cylinder while helping position a pallet during vessel crane operations. The flash identifies missing lifting training, participation without the task briefing, and failure to stop work. It recommends reducing congestion, wearing appropriate gloves and reconsidering work when circumstances change.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during shackle handling
A crew member suffered a left middle finger crush injury while removing a 35 tonne SWL shackle during pennant wire spooling. The flash identifies incorrect shackle size, absent last-minute risk assessment and failure to intervene, and recommends appropriate tools rather than hands to release heavy shackles.
- 202313 Jul
Hand and finger injuries
This safety flash reviews trends across ten recent hand and finger injury incidents reported by IMCA members. It summarises identified contributory factors, including unsuitable PPE and equipment, inadequate risk awareness, supervision and communication shortcomings, procedural departures and missed opportunities to stop work.
- 202313 Jul
LTI: Serious hand injury – fingers lost in unexpected hatch closure
A crew member checking an engine-room emergency hatch suffered finger injuries requiring amputation when an improvised chain restraint failed. Safety locking pins were missing. The flash identifies shortcomings in planned maintenance, pinch-point awareness and toolbox talks, and calls for improved maintenance implementation, thorough briefings and stopping work rather than improvising safety equipment.
- 202313 Jul
Serious finger injury in power operated watertight sliding door
A crew member lost balance as a vessel rolled and trapped his right middle finger between an opening powered watertight door and the bulkhead. The flash describes deficiencies in hazard communication and protective arrangements, and reports an enforced no-go zone during door operation.
- 202324 May
Hand injury in medical airlock
A life support technician injured a finger when a stiff dive-chamber medical airlock hatch moved suddenly, trapping his hand between an operating-wheel brace and the hinge plate. Actions included door lubrication, planned maintenance, hand-placement warnings and instructions, and demonstrations during vessel familiarisation.
- 202324 May
Hand injury while using manual torque tool
A project engineer assisting with bolt torquing injured his hand when it slipped between a force multiplier’s reaction bar and a gooseneck. The flash identifies gaps in supervision, role briefing, toolbox-talk participation and training, and calls for clear responsibilities, inclusive briefings and understood stop-work authority.
- 202316 May
Adaptation and Modification of Tool Results in Injury
An offshore worker sustained a hand laceration requiring sutures while shortening a combination wrench with a hacksaw for hydraulic-line installation. The alert examines unavailable suitable tools, unapproved modification and failure to consult a supervisor. Corrective actions address close-radius tools, pre-job hazard assessment and communicating restrictions on altering manufacturers’ equipment.
- 20234 Apr
Crew member trapped his left index finger in watertight door
A fitter sustained minor abrasions to his left index finger while cycling a watertight door to investigate conflicting door-status indications. His hand became trapped between the moving edge and frame. The flash discusses concentrated fault finding, possible distractions, and the role of education, training, monitoring and enforcement in managing behaviour.
- 20234 Apr
Cut and bruise to right hand whilst pressure testing
A technician injured his right hand while removing a blanking flange after hydraulic hose pressure testing. Although the panel gauge indicated zero, a check valve trapped residual pressure. The flash recommends a ten-second delay after opening the main pressure valve, a second hose gauge, revised instructions and an updated task risk assessment.
- 20234 Apr
Hand injury from portable grinder
A subcontract worker sustained a 3 cm hand laceration after inadvertently starting a portable grinder during flowline fabrication at a spool base. The flash identifies incorrectly positioned wheel protection, reduced grinder safety features and lower-protection gloves, and recommends guarding checks, consistent subcontractor equipment requirements and appropriate stop-work intervention.
- 20234 Apr
LTI finger injury during mooring operations
An able seaman broke his left index finger while unmooring after ship-to-ship refuelling, losing 45 days of work. The flash identifies poor glove condition, insufficient rope slack, absent rope extensions and inadequate oversight of inexperienced personnel. Lessons address supervision, rope extensions and sufficient slack during handling.
- 20234 Apr
LTI: Hand injury in galley
A cook preparing meat aboard a vessel alongside suffered a serious palm laceration when his knife slipped, requiring surgery to repair three nerves. The flash discusses absent butcher’s gloves, meat temperature, pushing and pulling the blade, and unassessed slipping risk. Lessons address cutting direction, appropriate PPE and lone workers’ stop-work authority.
- 202313 Mar
Finger crushed under Tether Management System (TMS) protection guard
A worker’s left ring fingertip was crushed while closing a Saab Seaeye TMS8 protection guard after losing grip. The flash discusses unsupported guards, cold hands, unsuitable gloves and incomplete task assessment. Included manufacturer advice specifies guard removal and refitting precautions, recommending two people and prohibiting work with only two securing pins.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Crew member crushed finger when opening fire flap
A crew member fractured his index finger between an emergency fire-flap hatch and its frame while a colleague pulled a rope in the opposite direction. Following deluge-system testing, difficulties releasing a butterfly nut exposed shortcomings in planning and risk assessment. Lessons emphasise comprehensive toolbox talks and stopping to reassess changed conditions.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Finger crushed while moving mobile gantry crane
A bosun crushed his index finger while dragging a dismantled mobile gantry crane support leg when a wheel turned and the leg collapsed. The flash identifies inadequate planning, communication, supervision and risk assessment. Actions included a lighter crane with wheel locks, improved deck access and further safety training.
- 202318 Jan
LTI - Finger injury during davit test
During rescue-boat davit testing, a winch brake failure caused the craft to fall, trapping a crew member’s hand between a tensioned painter rope and a handrail. The flash describes serious finger injuries, inadequate supervision and toolbox communication, and lessons on rope handling, protective equipment and specific launch and test procedures.
- 202311 Jan
02/23: Serious hand injury (MSF)
A crew member sustained a deep finger incision when returning a knife to its belt sheath after splicing polypropylene gangway guide ropes. Gloves had been removed and not replaced. The flash recommends intended knife use, cutting away from the body on a stable surface, required protective equipment and careful attention.
- 2023Jan
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 1 (January 2023)
This first superyacht incident digest examines backstay entrapment, tender grounding, unfamiliar steering controls, unsafe recovery from the water, an uncontrolled anchor chain and a fatal jet-ski collision. Commentary addresses communication, equipment familiarisation, control testing and the pressures that undermine captains’ safety decisions, alongside crew welfare and medical support.
- 2023
CHIRP Fisher Feedback Autumn 2023
CHIRP’s first commercial fishing newsletter examines pot-line propeller fouling, a conveyor fingertip injury, a lone fisher falling overboard, failed trawl hoisting, a ferry collision and recovered unexploded ordnance. Case commentary discusses maintenance isolation, work communication, wire-rope inspection, harbour navigation and personal emergency signalling and self-rescue arrangements.
- 202230 Nov
MAIB: “pinkie is no longer perkie”
A cargo-vessel crew member suffered a little-finger fingertip amputation when their hand became trapped between a hydraulically operated sliding door’s handle and frame as it opened fully. Inspection found no door defects. MAIB lessons emphasise suitable training, understanding powered-door operation and avoiding shortcuts.
- 20223 Oct
BSEE: Unsecured Pressurised Hoses Result in Hand Injuries
This safety flash summarises two hose incidents during coil tubing operations: valve impact injured a thumb during pressure release, and a failed nitrogen connection caused a whipping hose to injure two workers. Recommendations address glove selection, depressurisation, hose restraint, valve checks, job safety analysis and stop-work authority.
- 20223 Oct
Diver Finger Injury – Scrubber Blower Fan
A diver checking a vessel’s diving bell sustained a minor thumb injury from an exposed running scrubber fan with its canister removed. The flash identifies an omitted risk assessment hazard, records a requirement to switch off the fan during canister removal and discusses possible guarding and design changes.
- 20223 Oct
LTI: fractured finger during anchor handling
A crew member fractured his fingertip while attempting to remove a conical pin from a Kenter link during anchor handling. The flash describes incorrect pin removal, gaps in task knowledge, insufficient supervision and ineffective risk assessment. Lessons emphasise training, supervision and communicating risks to new personnel.
- 202226 Sep
BSEE – “Green hats” – training and supervision of short service employees
This safety flash summarises BSEE concerns about incidents involving short service employees, including maintenance and rig-floor hand injuries and gaps in safety-system testing competence. Recommendations address practical training, competency assessment, qualified mentoring, limits on new-to-experienced crew ratios, workload evaluation and adequate supervision of inexperienced personnel.
- 20225 Sep
LTI: Diver suffered crush injury to finger
A diver injured his ring finger positioning a subsea tree panel during decommissioning when vessel heave moved the crane-supported load. The flash recommends hands-off lifting wherever possible, reviewing risk assessments where this is not possible or advisable, and providing guidance for choosing between crane and lift-bag methods.
- 202214 Jul
IOGP: Squeezed hand due to unintentional activation of winch
A crewman’s hand was squeezed between a railing and structure after he grabbed a rope moved by unintended auxiliary winch activation. The flash identifies workplace design, unidentified operational risk, incomplete role descriptions and training gaps, and recommends design improvements, disconnecting redundant levers, competence assurance and task-specific risk communication.
- 20222 Jun
Unsecured Pressurized Hoses Result in Hand Injuries 442
BSEE describes two Gulf of Mexico coiled-tubing incidents involving hose backlash and a failed nitrogen hose fitting, with hand injuries and an additional arm injury. Operators and contractors are advised to consider hose restraint, reduced pressure before valve manipulation, suitable gloves, fuller job safety analyses and stop-work intervention.
- 202212 May
This is not a drill…an LTI during a drill (MSF)
An experienced seafarer sustained a severe open thumb fracture while closing a daughter craft’s cabin door during a casualty-handling drill. The investigation identified lost situational awareness and poor judgement. Actions include checking possible preventative door-design changes and using a Time Out for Safety to highlight the trapping hazard.
- 20224 May
Riggers injured while disconnecting rigging
Three riggers were injured while disconnecting timber-pad rigging on a nearshore cargo barge. Unexpected vessel movements tensioned the slings, striking an arm and two workers’ hands. The flash identifies insufficient slack and premature disconnection, emphasising allowance for vessel motion, supervisor instructions and consideration of leaving rigging attached.
- 202221 Apr
Communications: LTI finger injury during lifting operations
A rigger suffered a crushed ring finger requiring fingertip amputation during vessel demobilisation, when hoisting began with a hook still attached to a container lifting eye. The flash examines disputed hand signals, inadequate lift planning, unclear banksman responsibilities and unsuitable glove impact ratings, recommending clearer communication and documented demobilisation planning.
- 202211 Mar
Line of fire: pinched finger between door and frame
An ROV operator sustained a fingertip laceration when a control-van door closed against his left index finger, requiring medivac and reconstructive surgery. The flash identifies an unrepaired door-closing spring mechanism and ineffective hazard familiarisation, and recommends functioning door closers, planned maintenance, regular inspection, induction, mentoring and supervision.
- 202228 Feb
Fractured finger while handling metal plates
A crew member fractured his little finger when it became trapped between a plate and frame during manual repositioning on deck. The flash identifies unsafe plate design and task assessments that omitted manual handling. Lessons describe temporary handles, magnetic lifting handles as a longer-term solution, and task-specific risk reviews.
- 202228 Feb
UK HSE: Poor control of work – worker suffered serious injuries
This safety flash describes serious hand and arm injuries during conveyor repair when the line restarted. The supervisor became distracted before completing the permit to work and isolation. It reports the supervisor’s sentencing for safety breaches and highlights failure to implement company procedures for these controls.
- 20212 Dec
Watch your hands!! Person injured while using an angle grinder
A crew member sustained severe left-arm lacerations while cutting washing-machine dunnage with an angle grinder fitted with a wood-cutting disc. Vessel movement preceded loss of control. The flash identifies absent guarding, unsecured timber and inadequate work preparation, and recommends suitable tools, risk assessment, toolbox talks and supervision.
- 202119 Nov
Diver finger injury from Lionfish fin ray
A diver’s right thumb was punctured through a glove while trying to push away a lionfish. Recovery by diving bell enabled medical treatment. The flash describes glove suitability review, refresher training and risk assessment updates, alongside dive briefings, supervisor video monitoring and increased buddy watching for venomous fish.
- 20218 Nov
Hand pinched between cable and cable roller frame
A cable-lowering operation trapped a supervisor’s hand against a roller-table post, causing a laceration despite a protective glove. The flash identifies omitted cable movements in the task risk assessment, absent task-specific briefing and inadequate pinch-point marking. It highlights unused stop-work authority and recommends worksite risk assessment review.
- 20211 Oct
LTI: Three fingers badly cut while handling a long brass bar
A vessel crew member sustained cuts to three fingers when a brass bar slipped during solo removal from storage, forcing his hand against sharp mesh edges. The flash identifies misjudged weight, inadequate risk assessment and absent gloves, and recommends reviewing storage suitability, assessing lone working and reinforcing task-specific PPE requirements.
- 202122 Sep
Electrician suffered flash burn to hand
An electrician suffered a hand flash burn while checking insulation on a 690-volt bus bar aboard a vessel in dry dock. The switchboard became live after an unguarded status switch changed and the power management system closed a breaker. Lessons address isolation, shipyard work permits, supervision and communication.
- 202122 Sep
MSF: Hand Injury Sustained During Routine Checks
An operator testing an emergency generator during weekly checks injured three right-hand fingers on cooling-fan blades while investigating an abnormal noise. The flash identifies exposed rotating parts, limited situational awareness and lone working, and describes guard modifications, warning signs, further crew training and task-specific risk assessment and toolbox discussions.
- 202112 Aug
Recent Uptick in Lifting Injuries due to Unrecognized Pinch Point Hazards
BSEE describes two lifting incidents involving a shifting Connex box and grating transferred to a motor vessel, causing arm injuries and partial finger amputation respectively. Operators and contractors are asked to consider clearer load-monitoring communication, pre-job reviews, boom positioning, adequate landing space, hands-free standards and continued tagline use.
- 202121 Jul
Metal Obstructions Lead To Hand Injuries
BSEE describes two hand lacerations involving a metal tag during ball-valve operation and a securing band during transmitter connector work with channel lock pliers. Gloves were absent in one case and insufficient in the other. Recommendations for consideration address hand protection, valve checks, sharp edges, job safety analyses and safety discussions.
- 202112 Jul
MSF: Cut Hand Whilst Cleaning / Hand Safety
A crew member cut their hand on a sharp edge while cleaning galley cabinets aboard a vessel, losing a section of skin. The flash recommends galley safety checks, removing sharp edges or providing warning signs, appropriate gloves, checking cleaning equipment and including hand and finger safety in risk assessments.
- 20212 Jun
LTI: Hand injury during diving operations
A diver suffered a serious finger injury while two divers unbolted a floating hose flange at a single point mooring. An impact wrench was started before the colleague was ready, causing his flogging spanner to trap three fingers. The flash highlights communication, risk assessment, tool positioning and consideration of alternative tools or methods.
- 20216 May
Two injuries
This safety flash describes two injuries: a crew member gashed his scalp on a girder while stowing tools, and an engineer injured a fingertip when a door slammed shut in a lower-pressure room. It discusses restricted stowage space, bump-cap use, situational awareness, impact protection and warning signs.
- 202127 Apr
Safety Alert 420 - Employee Injures Hand in Rotating Equipment
A mechanic responding to an after-hours compressor shutdown entered the unit while its cooling fan was slowing. Placing his hand on the belt pulled him into a sheave, fracturing two fingers. The alert recommends considering reviews of after-hours work controls, including job safety analysis, lockout/tagout and stop-work practices.
- 202116 Apr
Hand injury from falling object during lifting operations
A crewman suffered a hand injury when a cement hose swung after its lifting saddle handle broke during recovery between a rig and vessel. The sling had been attached incorrectly, which the deck crew noticed without intervening. The flash recommends stop-work intervention and regular inspection of loose lifting equipment.
- 20212 Feb
Hand injury when caught in machinery
A crew member suffered hand and arm fractures during humidifier maintenance when airflow drove an electrically isolated fan and belt. His glove became entangled, drawing his hand and forearm into the machinery. Re-enactment identified an open ventilation outlet condition; the flash calls for procedures to address the previously unrecognised hazard.
- 20212 Feb
Injury to Fingers During Grinding Activity
An operator injured fingers on both hands after inadvertently restarting a grinder used to cut and shape wood during maintenance. Preliminary findings identified unsuitable tool selection, a non-recommended toothed saw blade and absent safety gloves. Actions included replacing button-controlled grinders with paddle-switch models, refresher training and reviewing the maintenance risk assessment.
- 202016 Dec
Broken finger during ROV maintenance
A short service employee fractured his right ring finger while removing an ROV bumper bar alone above head height. The bar snagged, then fell when he could not support its approximately 29 kg weight. Lessons emphasise task assessment, planning, supervision, competence, mentoring and pre-work toolbox talks.
- 20209 Oct
Crushed finger injury during wire transfer operations
A seaman sustained a crushed left index finger while removing a stopper chain during tow-wire transfer aboard a vessel. Premature removal of a crowbar allowed the wire to fall onto his hand. The flash examines routine-task complacency and unreviewed risk assessment, emphasising assessment, communication and keeping hands clear.
- 202015 Sep
Hand injury from portable hand-held angle grinder
A worker cleaning equipment with a wire-brush angle grinder suffered a deep hand abrasion when the glove was drawn into the brush. The flash identifies an incomplete risk assessment, missing side grip, unsafe positioning, absent formal training and inadequate supervision, and records corrective actions addressing these shortcomings.
- 202024 Jul
Finger injury caused by incorrectly secured console cover
A technician’s smallest right-hand finger was fractured when a console cover closed unexpectedly as he descended platform steps. The hinge functioned correctly, but its securing wing nuts were insufficiently tightened. The flash recommends identifying hazardous hinged covers, improving locking arrangements where significant injury risks exist, and reinforcing line-of-fire awareness.
- 202024 Jul
Hydraulic sample extruder – finger laceration
A laboratory technician injured a finger between a Shelby tube and hydraulic sample extruder ram while stabilising the dolly, resulting in a lost workday case. The flash identifies shortcomings in training, supervision, risk assessment and ergonomic design, and describes revised assessments, improved guarding and controls, and standardisation of equipment.
- 202024 Jul
LTI: Loss of fingertip and nail
A bosun lost his middle fingertip while storing turnbuckles during routine housekeeping aboard an anchored vessel. A turnbuckle slipped and its thread struck his finger in a restricted storage area. Actions included relocating storage bins and developing a procedure to eliminate manual handling of turnbuckles.
- 20205 May
Ignited hand sanitiser
This safety flash describes burns to a man’s hands after he touched a surface before alcohol-based sanitiser had dried. It attributes ignition of the fumes to static electricity, producing almost invisible flames. He extinguished them at a sink. The account highlights the sanitiser’s flammability and failure to identify all energy sources.
- 202028 Apr
LTI: Worker lost his thumb
An assistant driller lost his left thumb above the knuckle while releasing an Inner Barrel from an Overshot during core sampling. The barrel dropped under its own weight, trapping his thumb against the casing. Actions included revising work instructions and reminding crews to use the appropriate Lay Key.
- 20206 Mar
LTI: Finger injury caused while working with oil drums
A crew member fractured a right-hand ring finger when it became trapped between oil drums during handling aboard a vessel. The flash identifies delayed reporting and absent work procedures, recommends risk assessment and toolbox discussion, and describes an engineered drum-handling control implemented afterwards.
- 202019 Feb
Two electrical incidents – UK HSE
This flash summarises two HSE prosecutions involving live electricity. Workers suffered serious hand burns after a fixing penetrated a live cable during cable-tray repairs. In a separate container delivery, a crane arm contacted an overhead power line, causing an electric shock to a helper. Both investigations identified shortcomings in assessing the work.
- 201922 Nov
Crush injury to hand while attempting to secure crane hook
A rigger suffered severe hand and wrist injuries while tying a crane hook to a deck handrail with polypropylene rope. Vessel rolling moved the inadequately stabilised hook towards the railing. The flash examines premature approach, banksman intervention, assessment of high-risk sub-activities and stopping unsafe work.