Crew Member Safety: Screwdriver Accident

Incident 1 - Self-Inflicted Wound from a Screwdriver

• A crew member sustained a 30-40 mm cut, 4-5 mm deep, while using a large screwdriver to pry out a jammed bit from a grub screw.
• The wrong tool was used, and the injured person failed to assess the risk of the screwdriver slipping.

Actions to Prevent Similar Incidents

• Stop and think before applying force to tools that could slip and fly back into your face.
• Consider alternative, safer methods to accomplish the task.
• Wear appropriate PPE and maintain spatial awareness.

Incident 2 - LTI: Face Injury from Unplanned Release of Hydraulic Fluid

• A vessel crane driver suffered an injury to his face and left eye while setting up to remove a hydraulic accumulator pressure hose.
• The injury occurred due to an unplanned release of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hose flange.

Actions to Prevent Similar Incidents

• Ensure clear and concise written instructions for planned work.
• Provide refresher training on Permit to Work awareness and Hazard Identification for all crew.

Incident 3 - Left Eye Irritation from Airborne Foreign Object

• A crew member experienced left eye irritation while working on the back deck in windy conditions, despite wearing appropriate eye protection.
• A small speck of debris was identified, which could not be safely flushed or removed with the equipment available on board.

Lessons to Learn

• Always wear appropriate eye protection for the job in hand.
• Use machine guarding, work screens, or other engineering controls as applicable.
• Know the location of first aid equipment and eye wash stations.
• Exercise Stop Work Authority and raise your voice if you see a potential risk.

Incident 4 - Trapped Finger during Mooring Operations

• A deckhand injured his fingers on his right hand during mooring operations, when a vessel was headed to the pontoon to moor alongside her regular berth.
• The incident occurred due to insufficient slack in the mooring line, the vessel moving forward, and inadequate risk assessment.

Corrective Actions and Lessons Learned

• Ensure sufficient slack is allowed when handling mooring lines.
• Stop the vessel before mooring lines are placed over bitts, bollards, or cleats.
• Ensure new personnel are appropriately familiarized with the task.
• Review risk assessment for mooring operations and consider using impact gloves.
• Conduct more thorough Toolbox Talks for mooring arrangements.

Incident 5 - Near Miss: Dislodged Grating with Potential Fall to Sea

• A section of GRP grating on a vessel dislodged and dropped to sea, while a welder was on the grating passing a welding hose connection.
• The incident occurred due to incorrectly spaced and secured clips, missed from the original installation design.

What Went Right

• The individual managed to catch himself and recovered to safety.
• The incident was reported, and the investigation was conducted quickly, with corrective actions taken immediately.

A crew member suffered a self-inflicted wound while using a screwdriver to pry out a jammed bit from a grub screw. The quiz assesses the situation and identifies the causes of the accident.