Lost time injury (LTI): Severe hand injury in galley
- Safety Flash
- Published on 8 July 2014
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 11/14
- 2 minute read
An incident has come to IMCA’s attention in which a member of the galley staff sustained severe injuries.
What happened?
The individual was grinding tomatoes when his arm got trapped in the feeder tube of a meat grinder machine. His colleagues freed him from the machine and transported him to the onsite clinic in a private vehicle. The victim received immediate treatment at the onsite clinic. When he was stabilised, he was transferred to a local hospital. During emergency surgery at the hospital his right hand had to be amputated.
(L) Incorrect set-up with no plunger or top tray (R) Correct set-up with plunger and top tray
The on-going and as yet incomplete investigation has revealed the following:
- The equipment was not properly configured for safe use – see photographs.
- All the necessary guards were not in place.
- The machine was being operated by someone who was not fully familiar with how to operate it.
- The machine was not being used for the purpose for which it was intended. The following toolbox talk/safety meeting points were suggested:
- What kind of machinery is there in your galley or catering facility that could cause harm.
- Are these machines being operated safely? Are all the necessary guards in place and functional.
- Are the cooks and galley staff trained and competent to use the machines properly and safely.
- Is there anything that can be done to further improve galley safety.
- Are your emergency response procedures adequate to deal with an injury of this sort.
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