Two recent cases of hand and arm injuries
- Safety Flash
- Published on 10 July 2012
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 07/12
- 1 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published two safety flashes (12-25 and 26) regarding incidents in which personnel have injured their hands or arms.
What happened?
In the first incident, a crewman cut the palm of his hand on a sharp edge found on a door finishing strip. On investigation of the door in question an unexpected razor sharp steel burr (ragged edge) was discovered. This was most likely caused by the cutting process of the steel during the manufacture of the door. Other similar doors onboard were checked and some of these also had the same sharp edge.
In the second incident, which occurred during mooring operations, a crewman got his hand trapped between the mooring line and a roller fairlead on deck. As his hand was dragged around the fairlead his arm was twisted and fractured.
Members are reminded to encourage personnel to look after their hands and arms. IMCA produces a range of pocket safety cards covering aspects of hand and arm safety:
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.