Safety Flash
Brazil: diver permanently disabled after decompression illness
Brazil: diver permanently disabled after decompression illness
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 14/25
- DivingEmergency ResponseOccupational Health
- Occupational healthRegulation and legislation
- Diving operationsInspection and maintenance
- Emergency responseFirst aid and medical provisionRisk assessmentSafety communication
- Subsea
Summary
A Brazilian diver suffered permanent disability following decompression illness after underwater inspection and maintenance at 26 m. The flash describes a malfunctioning hyperbaric chamber, delayed treatment elsewhere, and deficiencies in emergency planning, transport and communication. It highlights related IMCA guidance on therapeutic deck decompression chamber operations.
Classifications: Occupational health; worker health.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: First aid and medical provision.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Summary
Conviction of diving company upheld as work accident suffered by a diver who lost strength in his upper limbs and the ability to move, requiring permanent use of a wheelchair.
IMCA SF 14/25. Themes: diving, emergency response, occupational health.