The lessons learned communicated here below are provided as case study aiming to provide a detailed overview of the recurring crew hand injury incidents that occurred in our fleet within few days of each other. By far, such incidents are not encouraging as to how health and safety management is effectively promoted and implemented on board.
Keep our company’s standards and procedures in mind while reading to compare with the actions of the crew below as we will discuss the factors which led their occurrence.
Caution: The article contains disturbing images.
Injury incident No. 1
During maintenance of air handling unit fan in air condition room, Electrician's left hand small finger was stacked and snapped between fan pally and V-Belt.
Immediately after, Master was informed about relevant injury and first aid had been applied in order to take bleeding under control and to prevent disinfection.
At the same time Company's representatives and SOS-Doctors had been informed in order to receive medical assistance and advice.
Since surgeon consultation was necessary as per SOS -Doctors advice, assistance for medical care ashore was requested.
In coordination with Company's representatives and local Agent, necessary evacuation arrangements have been conducted with assistance from ARCC Canarias, MRCC/CCS Tenerife & CIRC Roma.
Vessel had immediately altered her route through Tenerife rendezvous position as per MRCC Tenerife and Rescue Helicopter pilot advice.
Finally, crew member had safely been evacuated by rescue helicopter on 03 Feb 2021 / 11:20 GMT.
The investigation revealed that Electrician was wearing his PPE Equipment during the incident but neither work planning meeting-toolbox talk had been implemented before the commencement of the task nor he was supervised by a second responsible person as required. Risk assessment had not been prepared in order to access the dangers.
Injury incident No. 2
On 04th of February 2021 at 0700 hrs UTC, AB sustained an injury on board (deep cut of 2 fingers of his right hand). The incident occurred while the aforesaid crew member was trying to renew the break liner of mooring winch. Then the cover of the drum slides and hit his fingers accidentally.
The injured crew received medical assistance onboard and ashore. As per doctor’s report he stayed unfit for duty for 14 days and he rest in bed onboard.
The investigationhad been prepared as required according to Company’s established procedures – safe working practices. revealed that AB was wearing his PPE equipment during the incident however neither work planning meeting had been implemented before the commencement of the task nor a risk assessment.
Injury incident No. 3
On 27 January 2021 and while the vessel was at port, Tuzla Turkey, 3rd Eng. was injured during his work at engine room/little cut his finger.
The 3rd engineer was working on the bilge educator line. Along with 2 other Engine ratings, they were loosening a bolt and nut in a flange of the pipeline.
During rectification progress an extension was used by putting a spanner and additional weight in order to remove the frozen bolt and nut.
After exercising force, the bolt loosened, and as soon as the spanner went down, the finger of 3rd Engineer who was holding the spanner hit on the nearby flange, causing the injury.
Immediately, the 3rd Eng was sent to the shipyard’s emergency health supporter area. Upon completion of examination it was advised that even was not a serious cut further treatment (nailing support) was required in hospital. Injured crew member was sent to hospital where he received the necessary medical treatment. Right after, he returned back to the ship where he rested for one day before he returned back to his duties.
The investigation revealed that even if he was conducting a routine maintenance job in the Engine, he didn’t use adequate or correct PPE equipment and a work planning meeting and risk assessment haven’t been conducted before the commencement of the task.
Sourcre: Pavlos Grammatikopoulos / HSQE Officer & Deputy DPA - Empire Bulkers