Control
Machine Guarding
Physical guarding and protective interlocks around dangerous machinery.
Documents
- 202527 Oct
MSF: Burn to arm from contact with tumble dryer
A crew member sustained a minor lower-arm burn after opening a tumble dryer mid-cycle and touching its metal door frame before cooling was complete. Follow-up tests examined frame temperatures and cooling time. The flash highlights waiting for programme completion and asks whether a temperature-dependent door interlock would improve safety.
- 2025May
Risk from height adjustable display screen stands in schools and other education settings
This HSE safety notice addresses impact and crushing risks from motorised height-adjustable display mounts in education settings, including incidents injuring young children. It explains instability, unsuitable fixings and obstructed movement, and sets out responsibilities for users, installers, purchasers and suppliers, emphasising risk assessment, anti-collision protection and restricted access to controls.
- 202529 Apr
Person fractured foot during elevator inspection
A worker fractured their foot during a vessel elevator inspection when released trunk doors disengaged the interlock, allowing upward cage movement before local service mode was activated. The flash identifies an unfollowed manufacturer procedure, absent toolbox talk and inadequate communication, and calls for applicable work controls and risk assessment.
- 202427 Nov
BSEE: recurring hand injuries from alternative cutting devices
This safety flash summarises two offshore workers’ hand lacerations while removing zip ties with alternative cutting devices. One cutter had a damaged protective tip; the other lacked a blade guard and rebounded. BSEE recommends task-specific tool selection, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 20243 Oct
Fauna entanglement
An environmental alert describes a shark caught in a rope loop on a subsea electrical flying lead and released using an ROV knife without additional harm. It discusses evaluating fauna interaction risks, considering installation-aid removal and safer designs, guarding injury mechanisms, verifying controls and meeting protected-species incident reporting requirements.
- 202419 Sep
Injury to person during deck crane operations on board survey and supply vessel Kommandor Orca
This investigation examines a second officer’s leg injury during rail-mounted crane operations aboard Kommandor Orca at Portland. It analyses use of emergency-only local controls, entanglement in unguarded rack and pinion gearing, deficient vessel-specific procedures and training, and overlooked hazards. Company actions included remote operation, revised procedures and additional guarding.
- 202414 Aug
LTI: fingers severed by spinning fan blade
A vessel worker lost three fingers while moving a portable blower during engine-room housekeeping after switching off its power. The fan remained in motion, its guard was inadequate and its handle obstructed. The flash highlights residual momentum, unseen moving parts and the importance of using designated handles and guards.
- 20242 Jul
UK HSE: Service lifts on offshore and onshore wind turbines
This flash summarises an HSE bulletin following a technician’s serious hand injury involving a wind turbine service lift. It examines inadequate landing-gate guarding and external control positioning, and relays recommendations for immediate design checks, remedial guarding or control relocation, and withdrawal or suitable short-term measures pending completion.
- 20241 May
BSEE Safety Alert 485 - Hand Tools Pose Risk to Offshore Personnel
BSEE describes two offshore hand-drill incidents involving gloves caught by drill bits, resulting in an index-finger laceration and a fractured thumb. Operators and contractors are asked to consider measures addressing hand placement, secured workpieces, drill binding, suitable protective equipment, pre-use inspection, tool selection and intact guards.
- 2024May
Service lifts in offshore and onshore wind turbines
Safety notice addressing wind turbine service-lift guarding and external control positioning after a technician sustained serious hand injuries. It calls for immediate design checks, correction of inadequate safeguards, and withdrawal or suitable short-term controls pending completion. Manufacturers and suppliers are directed to address hazards and meet machinery safety requirements.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 75 (Summer 2024)
Confidential maritime reports examine commercial pressure over damaged anchors, laundry and cargo fires, machinery and mooring hand injuries, inadequate provisions and a grounding. Commentary addresses escalation of concerns, bridge coordination, laundry practices, dangerous-goods stowage, machinery isolation and guarding, and keeping hands clear during mooring.
- 202315 Aug
Unplanned rotation of drilling machinery
A subsea drill unexpectedly rotated during planned maintenance on a vessel’s deck, breaking retention fastenings without injuring anyone. The flash identifies an unreconciled switch position, inadequate handover and excessive reliance on administrative controls. Subsequent actions included an isolation interlock, revised switching-off procedures and improved team communication and compliance monitoring.
- 202313 Jul
Serious finger injury in power operated watertight sliding door
A crew member lost balance as a vessel rolled and trapped his right middle finger between an opening powered watertight door and the bulkhead. The flash describes deficiencies in hazard communication and protective arrangements, and reports an enforced no-go zone during door operation.
- 2023Jun
Pop-up toilets: Risk of crushing
This safety notice describes a fatal crushing incident beneath a raised telescopic pop-up toilet. It addresses chamber access, cleaning, inspection and maintenance risks, prioritising risk assessment and suitably rated engineering safeguards against lowering. It also calls for maintained controls and adequate safety information, with written instructions where appropriate.
- 20234 Apr
Hand injury from portable grinder
A subcontract worker sustained a 3 cm hand laceration after inadvertently starting a portable grinder during flowline fabrication at a spool base. The flash identifies incorrectly positioned wheel protection, reduced grinder safety features and lower-protection gloves, and recommends guarding checks, consistent subcontractor equipment requirements and appropriate stop-work intervention.
- 202313 Mar
Finger crushed under Tether Management System (TMS) protection guard
A worker’s left ring fingertip was crushed while closing a Saab Seaeye TMS8 protection guard after losing grip. The flash discusses unsupported guards, cold hands, unsuitable gloves and incomplete task assessment. Included manufacturer advice specifies guard removal and refitting precautions, recommending two people and prohibiting work with only two securing pins.
- 20223 Oct
Diver Finger Injury – Scrubber Blower Fan
A diver checking a vessel’s diving bell sustained a minor thumb injury from an exposed running scrubber fan with its canister removed. The flash identifies an omitted risk assessment hazard, records a requirement to switch off the fan during canister removal and discusses possible guarding and design changes.
- 20225 Sep
High potential incident – Foot trapped under ram cylinder
A helper’s foot became trapped beneath a lowering ram during pipe joint coating at a spoolbase. The operator raised the unit to release him; only first aid was required. The flash identifies absent guarding and inadequate access instructions and risk assessments, and recommends entrapment controls and equipment familiarisation.
- 20219 Dec
MSF: Crankcase failure
A vessel’s diesel generator suffered crankcase failure, causing two small fires and extensive engine damage without personnel injury. Investigation identified a worn main bearing and interrupted lubrication, probably initiating the failure. Plexiglass guards, restrictions on prolonged work beside running generators and an effectively implemented emergency response plan limited consequences.
- 20212 Dec
Watch your hands!! Person injured while using an angle grinder
A crew member sustained severe left-arm lacerations while cutting washing-machine dunnage with an angle grinder fitted with a wood-cutting disc. Vessel movement preceded loss of control. The flash identifies absent guarding, unsecured timber and inadequate work preparation, and recommends suitable tools, risk assessment, toolbox talks and supervision.
- 202122 Sep
MSF: Hand Injury Sustained During Routine Checks
An operator testing an emergency generator during weekly checks injured three right-hand fingers on cooling-fan blades while investigating an abnormal noise. The flash identifies exposed rotating parts, limited situational awareness and lone working, and describes guard modifications, warning signs, further crew training and task-specific risk assessment and toolbox discussions.
- 202122 Sep
UK HSE: Employee scalped when hair trapped in a pillar drill
An employee sustained life-changing scalp and ear injuries when her hair became entangled in a rotating pillar drill. The flash reports absent guarding despite a company risk assessment identifying the need for a guard, and evidence that the drill had operated unguarded for several years.
- 202024 Jul
Hydraulic sample extruder – finger laceration
A laboratory technician injured a finger between a Shelby tube and hydraulic sample extruder ram while stabilising the dolly, resulting in a lost workday case. The flash identifies shortcomings in training, supervision, risk assessment and ergonomic design, and describes revised assessments, improved guarding and controls, and standardisation of equipment.
- 202015 Apr
UK HSE: Worker fell into lift shaft – safety controls bypassed
A worker moving a loaded trolley in a hangar suffered life-changing injuries after falling into a lift shaft. Although the exact cause was not established, investigators found faulty lift doors and routine bypassing of safety devices using an emergency release key. The flash highlights withdrawal from service or alternative working arrangements and communication.
- 201918 Jun
Three hand injuries
This safety flash summarises HSE findings concerning three companies and serious hand injuries involving saws, a planer thicknesser and defective hydraulic cutters. It describes failures in machinery guarding, risk assessment and safe working arrangements, alongside inconsistent lock-off and isolation procedures. One company’s account includes two separate finger-amputation incidents.
- 20195 Apr
LTI: Head injury
A chief engineer suffered a serious head injury when a vessel’s jammed provisions elevator dropped during attempted clearance with a pry bar. Packaging had obstructed the shaft, leaving lifting chains slack. The flash identifies missing formal work planning, commissioning and quality-control deficiencies, and a design flaw permitting safety-interlock bypass.
- 201918 Mar
Platform Lifts (vertical lifting platforms or lifts for people with impaired mobility). Risk of falls from height to employees/workers and members of the public.
This safety alert addresses falls and trapping involving platform lifts for people with impaired mobility. It describes deterioration, incorrect adjustment and tampering affecting landing-door safety devices, including Bowden-cable locks on early Nami-lift 400 models. It calls for competent maintenance and daily tests of door locking and platform movement safeguards.
- 201818 Dec
UK HSE: Worker suffers life-changing crush injuries – rotating machine
An IMCA safety flash reports a printing worker being drawn into rotating rollers when a cleaning cloth became caught. Injuries included finger amputation, fractures and skin degloving. The HSE investigation identified inadequate guarding and emphasised assessing machinery risks and applying suitable guards.
- 201825 Sep
Serious Injury from Rotating Winch
During wire spooling on a crane tugger winch, a worker placed his foot beyond a handrail and a rotating anchor block struck his boot, amputating all five toes. Findings identified inadequate task risk assessment, deficient toolbox discussion and absent guarding. Actions reinforced hazard identification, safety-control review and stop-work authority.
- 201712 Dec
Four hand and finger injury incidents
Four cases cover hand-arm vibration exposure, crushed fingers during manual frame handling, glove entanglement in a metalworking lathe and hand trapping in printing rollers. The flash discusses shortcomings in exposure limitation, health surveillance, manual-handling assessment, safe working methods, machinery guarding, training and supervision.
- 20172 Aug
Hand injury whilst using pillar drill
An engineer changing a pillar-drill bit inadvertently started the machine, catching his glove and injuring his hand. The flash examines unmarked controls and unclear emergency-stop and energisation indications. It records familiarisation training and recommends risk assessment, alongside function checks of guard interlocks fitted to a newer model.
- 201724 Jul
Track Tensioning incident
This safety alert examines a fatal hydraulic injection injury during piling-rig track tensioning and reports separate component failures without injury. It discusses possible over-pressurisation, weakened grease-nipple connections and retained grease pressure. Required precautions address component replacement, protective covers, operator positioning, training and manufacturer-specified track tension.
- 20172 Jun
LTI: Tugger winch incident (MSF)
An experienced Able Seaman suffered a crushed foot while using a tugger winch to secure cargo aboard a platform supply vessel. The rotating barrel and wire securing bar trapped his foot against the support plate. A protective frame was subsequently fitted to prevent recurrence.
- 201618 Oct
Manufacturing firm fined after worker’s arm injured in roller
An installation engineer sustained a broken arm after being drawn into machinery while commissioning a new conveyor belt system. This safety flash reports that the UK HSE investigation identified ineffective guarding and isolation procedures, and that the company was prosecuted and fined £170,000.
- 201613 Apr
Serious hand injury: Worker injured by machinery
This safety flash describes a maintenance worker whose gloved hand was drawn into pinch rollers while rethreading broken plastic sheeting. His right first finger required surgical removal below the knuckle. The HSE investigation found inadequate machinery guarding despite the company having identified the risks; the incident occurred in 2012.
- 201528 Aug
Finger/hand injuries
Two incidents concern a severed finger during blowout preventer ram unlocking and fractured fingers during lifting of a pup joint bundle. The flash identifies absent isolation and communication in the first case, and load proximity and handling deficiencies in the second. Corrective measures include guarding, job hazard analysis and stop-work interventions.
- 20154 Jun
Accident to skipper of scallop dredger Ronan Orla with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates fatal winch entanglement during single-handed scallop dredge recovery aboard Ronan Orla off north Wales. The exact snagging mechanism remained inconclusive. Analysis examines poor winch condition, inaccessible controls, absent emergency stops and lone-working risks, with recommendations addressing safety training and fishing-vessel self-certification.
- 201425 Nov
Hydraulic umbilical winch operation – trapped thumb
A vessel winch operator trapped his thumb between a guard and drum while recovering hydraulic power hoses from subsea. The investigation identified incorrect operator positioning and variable guard gaps. The flash describes planned additional guarding and safety tape, and calls for ongoing guarding reassessment and stopping work as required.
- 20148 Sep
Marine Safe Australia – Hand injuries
This flash summarises three hand injuries: squeezing at a folding ladder hinge, an index-finger fracture and deep laceration involving an unguarded generator V-belt, and partial thumb amputation while manually rotating an air-compressor belt assembly to check tension. The cases highlight hinge and belt–pulley trapping hazards.
- 20148 Jul
Lost time injury (LTI): Severe hand injury in galley
A galley worker’s arm became trapped in a meat grinder while processing tomatoes, leading to right-hand amputation. The incomplete investigation identified unsafe configuration, missing guards, unfamiliarity with operation and unintended use. Suggested safety-meeting questions address guarding, staff competence, galley hazards and the adequacy of emergency response procedures.
- 20144 Jun
Crewman suffered first aid injury during cutting operations
A crewman injured his right inner thigh when a hand grinder slipped during pipe bevel cutting. The investigation identified unsuitable scaffold adjustment and unstable positioning, despite fitted safeguards and correct PPE. Corrective actions addressed equipment and personnel positioning through training, toolbox talks and provision of a suitable working platform.
- 2014May
Devices used to reduce operator entrapment and crushing on mobile elevating work platforms
HSE reviews seven fatal MEWP crushing accidents and explains the limitations of control covers and shrouds. The alert calls for task-specific entrapment risk assessment and appropriate selection of secondary guarding, with its limitations understood. It cautions against relying on control shrouds for general entrapment protection.
- 201312 Nov
Use of chain flail/non standard cutting attachments on brush cutters
HSE warns that linked-metal cutting attachments on portable brush cutters can break up and eject dangerous components. Following a UK fatality, the alert explains high-speed stresses, inadequate guarding and European marketing restrictions. Users should immediately withdraw affected equipment and replace attachments with manufacturer-approved accessories; suppliers should cease supply.
- 201312 Sep
MSF: Injuries on mud mixers
This safety flash summarises two mud-mixer injuries on platform supply vessels. During tank cleaning, one crewman lost his footing and cut a finger through his gloves on a mixer blade. Another removed a protective cover for cleaning and rotated the blade into his leg, requiring six stitches.
- 2013Jan
Drill-floor machinery and tubular-handling safety
Guidance for users, suppliers and integrators addresses automated drilling machinery and tubular handling. It explains system-wide hazard identification through HAZOP, FMEA, FMECA and collision or contention matrices, alongside safety-function specification and integrity assessment. Fifteen incident examples illustrate shortcomings in design, protective systems, software management and operator interfaces.
- 201226 Oct
Lost time injury (LTI): Hand injury
A worker suffered a serious hand laceration and tendon damage while cutting a wooden spacer with a vertical band-saw. The investigation identified excessive blade wear, force and incorrect wood positioning, alongside unused protective measures. Actions addressed induction, machine checks, controlled access and risk assessment.
- 20124 Sep
Lost time injury (LTI): Hand cut during cutting operations
A subcontractor welder sustained a serious hand injury while cutting an air vent with a hand-held circular tool. The investigation noted rushing and distraction during blade replacement, after which the protective guard was not refitted. First aid was provided before hospital surgery.
- 201220 Jul
Loose Machine Guarding Results in Minor Injury
An employee in a shaker house suffered slight heel bruising when grating covering a rotating auger gave way underfoot and fell onto the auger. His foot did not contact the auger, and the emergency stop was activated immediately. The alert identifies potential for serious injury had contact occurred.
- 201210 Jul
Lost time injury (LTI): Incident with circular saw leads to loss of thumb
A crewman suffered thumb and middle-finger injuries when plywood snagged on an unguarded circular bench saw and drew his hand towards the blade. The flash identifies incorrect setup and operation, missing workplace instructions and absent risk assessment, and stresses guarding, operator training and compliance with safe-use procedures.
- 2012Mar
Vertical lifting platforms or lifts for people with impaired mobility
HSE alerts lift owners to falls into lift wells following misuse of emergency landing-door unlocking keys on vertical lifting platforms. Two incidents involved overriding door safety devices during normal use. The notice calls for controlled emergency unlocking, trained and authorised personnel, safe procedures, and lift inspection, servicing and maintenance.
- 201219 Jan
Disregard for Energy Isolation Procedures Results in Amputation
A derrick man lost the tip of his left index finger while replacing a conveyor hatch cover with the auger running. Moisture-absorbing chemicals had blocked the auger, requiring clearance and an operational check. The alert describes his failure to stop the auger before refitting the cover.
- 201119 Jul
Near-miss: Personnel almost caught between crane house and scaffold pipe
An NDT inspector narrowly avoided being trapped between a slewing crane housing and scaffolding after inspecting welds. A deck supervisor intervened to stop the crane. The flash identifies failures in operator notification, guarding, lockout and tagout, initial instruction and toolbox communication, alongside an ineffective last-minute risk assessment.
- 201125 May
Risks to users from firewood processing machines
HSE warns of inadequate safeguards on some firewood processors following serious hand injuries, including finger amputations. The alert describes cutting and splitting hazards, short guards and an ineffective interlock. It specifies checks on protective devices, conditions for two-hand operation, correct assembly and the limited scope of log-splitter standards.
- 201120 Apr
Unsecured Guard Results in MTO
An alert describes a finger injury during investigation of noise from a mud pump liner. A cover fell into the pony rod area. With the pump running, an attempt to retrieve it led to the right ring finger being pinched between the cover and pump body, requiring stitches.
- 201125 Feb
Serious hand injury during use of deck scaler
A crew member suffered crush injuries to two fingertips after a glove became caught in an air-driven deck scaler’s drive belt during cleaning. The flash identifies defeated guarding, absent dead-man control and failure to follow airline-disconnection procedures. Further use was prevented pending demonstration of suitable controls.
- 2011
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2011
This marine accident digest presents separate merchant-vessel, fishing-vessel and small-craft cases, with lessons on navigation, machinery safety, maintenance and emergency arrangements. Accounts examine collisions, groundings, flooding and fatal overboard incidents, alongside communication errors and distraction. Recommendations include independent position checks, machinery guarding, pre-use checklists and practised recovery drills.
- 201023 Mar
Death prompts telehandler warning
HSE warns telehandler users following a fatal accident in Scotland and two earlier similar deaths. The latest operator was suspected of leaning through a broken side window before being crushed by the descending boom. The alert explains the window’s guarding function and calls for replacement, damage reporting and daily cab-window checks.
- 201026 Feb
Risks to pedestrians from crushing zones on electrically powered gates
Safety alert examines a child’s fatal crushing at powered driveway gates, where opening narrowed the gap between a gate spine and brick pillar. It explains limitations of obstacle sensors and accessible activation buttons, and sets out risk assessment, safeguarding, contractor competence and conformity requirements for gate design, installation and management.
- 201021 Jan
Improper Guarding Results in MTO
This alert describes a thumb injury during a check for overheating at a standby generator radiator. The employee placed his hand successively at the top, middle and bottom of the radiator. At the bottom, the unguarded fan injured his thumb, which required stitches.
- 20097 Dec
Safety Alert 283 - Crane Shock-Loading resulting from Casing Jack’s Hydraulic Hose Fitting Failure
During well plugging and abandonment, casing-jack slips damaged a hydraulic hose fitting, releasing pressure and allowing grouted casing to drop several feet. The connected crane suffered shock-loading and auxiliary-line failure. The alert examines inadequate fitting protection and job safety analysis, recommending consideration of guarding and clearer crane-connection instructions.
- 200913 May
Safety Alert 280 - Worker Fatally Struck by Moving Pipe During Pipelay Operations
An MMS alert examines a fatal crushing incident on a pipelay barge after a conveyor inadvertently energised and moved pipe towards a bevel machine operator. Findings address deficient hazard analyses, unimplemented safeguards, supervision and training. Recommendations cover barriers, safety meetings and equipment checks; switch condition was not conclusively established as contributory.
- 2009May
MAIB Safety Digest 2009 — Fishing edition
A collection of fishing-vessel accident accounts and lessons covering overboard losses, collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and machinery injuries. Case discussions examine lookout practices, radar settings, lifejackets, watertight arrangements, machinery guarding and emergency pump testing. Rescue guidance and watchkeeping recommendations address casualty recovery and crew work–rest patterns.
- 200911 Mar
Safety Alert 277 - Mechanical Motion Equipment Injuries
A mechanic injured his hand when a cleaning rag was drawn into a running generator fan whose shroud did not fully conceal the blades. The alert explains hazardous mechanical motions, hazard analysis and safeguarding techniques, including guards, protective devices, awareness measures, housekeeping, lockout/tagout and supervised training.
- 2008Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2008
Marine accident case studies examine groundings, collisions, mooring injuries, fires, fishing machinery hazards and leisure-craft casualties. Lessons address chart provenance, radar limitations, lookout, line handling, machinery guarding and emergency recovery. Cases also explore flooding, vessel modifications, carbon-monoxide poisoning and communication when inexperienced crew take temporary charge.
- 2008
MAIB Safety Digest 2008 — Leisure craft edition
A compilation of 23 leisure-craft accident cases explores capsizing, people overboard, propeller injuries, steering failure and onboard hazards. Lessons address lifejacket fit, crew recovery skills, navigation aids, novice-crew risk assessment and machinery guarding. Yacht, motorboat and narrowboat narratives distinguish reported outcomes from uncertain accident sequences.
- 200731 Oct
Pinch points on winches – hand safety
This flash identifies a potential hand-trapping hazard on a tugger winch temporarily fitted to a vessel deck. A hand resting on the base could be drawn into the rotating bolt gap during hauling. It recommends identifying unguarded pinch points, applying warning signs and briefing personnel, and illustrates a possible guard.
- 20051 Apr
Unguarded Engine Fan Results in an Injury
A mechanic checking a generator’s water level stepped onto the engine mount and used a gap in the radiator fan guard to pull himself towards the radiator cap. The generator was running, and contact between the fan blade and his hand caused cuts and abrasions to four fingers.
- 20051 Mar
Fatality: grinder incident
A welder died after an angle grinder wheel disintegrated during surface preparation for welding, sending fragments into his chest and abdomen. Investigation identified an incompatible cutting disc and missing guard. The flash highlights manufacturers’ instructions, wheel speed and diameter limits, guarding, careful handling and inspection before installation.
- 20051 Mar
Injury while grinding without PPE
A safety flash describes serious facial injury when a grinder wheel broke apart during cutting of an aluminium roof. The company identified an unsuitable wheel, missing grinder guard, absent face shield and ignored instructions. It reinforced correct tool selection, safe working practices and compliance with warning labels.
- 20043 Jun
Hazards Using Portable Powered Tools
The alert reports at least two recent instances of portable powered grinders or cutting wheels being used without guards at company sites. It identifies unguarded operation of these tools and saws as a regulatory breach and highlights deaths and serious injuries associated with unguarded tools in the oil and gas industry.
- 20031 Aug
Machine guarding
This safety flash presents machine safeguarding advice focused on amputation hazards. It explains risks from rotating, reciprocating and transverse movements, in-running nip points and cutting actions. Safeguarding requirements vary with machine characteristics and operator involvement, with hazardous parts and processes requiring protection.
- 20037 Jun
Unprotected Flywheel Results in a Fatality
This alert describes a fatal entanglement inside a container housing a generator used to power winch testing. While colleagues investigated engine fluctuations and planned a filter change, a motorman removed his jacket, which became caught in an unguarded balance wheel pulley assembly. He sustained an amputated left hand and skull fracture, dying after 15 days in hospital.
- 20031 Jun
Thumb cut – Removal of guarding/safety observation
This safety flash describes a left-thumb cut involving a manual paper cutter whose barrier guard had been removed by another employee. It recommends checking cutters for proper guarding, not using cutters with missing guards, and keeping free hands clear of the blade even when guarding is fitted.
- 20031 Apr
Fatality: Trapping in machinery
A motorman died after ventilation suction drew his partly removed jacket and left hand into an unguarded generator pulley assembly aboard a crane vessel. The flash examines routine filter-change preparations, cramped access and inadequate guarding, and records changes to protective devices, standby arrangements, work procedures and task hazard assessment.
- 20031 Apr
Incident during core drilling operation
A diver handling a loaded drill string on a diving support vessel lost two fingertips when an unlatched inner core barrel slid towards the end of the string. The flash describes the handling sequence and company measures involving a steel end cap and greater emphasis on loading, unloading and handling procedures.
- 2003Mar
MAIB Safety Digest 2003 — Fishing edition
This fishing safety digest draws lessons from collisions, near misses, groundings, flooding, capsizes and deck accidents. Cases examine lookout practices, fatigue, navigation equipment, bilge alarms and pumping reliability. Practical lessons address machinery guarding, lifejacket use, valve checks and emergency measures to reduce water ingress.
- 20011 Jul
Failure of a shackle
A shackle failed while an abandonment and recovery wire was spooled off a winch, striking an observer’s thigh. Increased loading was attributed to inadequate connection flexibility and torsional strength. The vessel changed to a spliced connection; further actions addressed connection design, keeping personnel clear of tensioned wires and guarding.
- 20011 Jul
Grinding stone incident
A cup grinding stone burst while a pipe welder used a pneumatic grinder to bevel a pipe end, striking his shoulder. Investigation identified an unsuitable guard and incorrectly sized flange. The flash lists common abrasive-wheel mounting errors involving flanges, washers, tightening, cleanliness, arbour fit and blotters.
- 20012 Apr
Use of hand-held disc grinders
A worker died when a disc fractured during groove cutting in cast iron and a fragment penetrated his face shield. The flash identifies unsuitable disc size, application and speed rating, alongside removed guards and side handle. Lessons address manufacturer-approved consumables, guarding, tool suitability checks and adequately dimensioned face shields.
- 20011 Mar
ROV personnel injury
During hydraulic-leak repairs to an ROV manipulator, an actuator dropped approximately two inches, amputating part of a worker’s index finger placed in a pivot pin hole. The flash identifies shortcomings in task risk assessment and support arrangements, and recommends detailed assessments, adequate equipment support and consideration of pinhole covers.
- 2000
Calendar Year 2000
This MMS report compiles incidents reported from Outer Continental Shelf operations during 2000, covering Gulf of Mexico and Pacific regions. Statistical comparisons accompany category-organised narratives of fires, injuries, well-control losses, collisions and pollution. Case findings examine lifting failures, hot work, equipment condition and work planning, while distinguishing events from incident categories.
- 19996 Aug
Elevator Fatality
An alert describes an unwitnessed fatal fall involving a dry-dock shipyard elevator operator near the top stop station. Investigation found a non-functioning cab-door limit switch. With the station’s outer doors closed, the elevator appeared to have moved while its inner door remained open.
- 1994
MAIB Safety Digest 2/1994
This marine accident digest presents lessons from collisions, groundings, machinery failures, shipboard fires and injuries during fishing and access operations. Case commentaries examine lookout and radar use, tank pressure relief, hatch-cover securing, shaft guarding and first aid. An appendix lists investigations commenced between April and July 1994.
- Undated
Floorhand’s Leg Trapped During Drill-Pipe Handling
An investigation examines a floorhand’s lower-leg injury during drill-pipe handling in completion operations. A moving ZBack Guide Arm trapped his leg against a handrail. Findings identify unsafe body positioning, an inadequate barrier and omissions in the written risk assessment. Corrective actions included expanded-metal guarding and revised assessment content.
- Undated
Mechanic’s Hand Pulled into Fan During Generator Cleaning
A mechanic cleaning oil from a running platform diesel generator had his rag drawn into exposed radiator fan blades, pulling in his hand. He was evacuated and needed nine stitches. The investigation identifies incomplete fan guarding and failure to stop the generator, and recommends an industry alert on machinery hazards and safeguarding.
- Undated
Mechanic’s Fingers Injured After Rag Entangled in Generator Cooling Fan
A contract mechanic suffered severe finger injuries when a cleaning rag became entangled in an unguarded generator cooling fan after water-pump replacement. The investigation identifies failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures and inadequate contractor supervision, and requires the operator to ensure accountable supervision and adherence to its safe work practices.
- Undated
Finger Injuries While Clearing Shale from Rotating Shaker Auger
A contract employee injured his fingers after losing balance while clearing shale from a shaker auger and contacting its rotating parts. The investigation identifies absent lockout and supervision, a removed cover and inadequate cleaning instructions in the JSA. It records recommendations on guarding, shutdown, training and task planning.
- Undated
Unplanned Travelling Block Descent During Automatic Drilling
An investigation examines an unplanned travelling-block descent during automatic drilling. The anti-collision system stopped block movement while the auto driller continued counting elapsed time. Disengaging the system resulted in an 18-foot descent. The report identifies software design as a contributing cause and records no equipment damage.
- Undated
Hand Trapped Between Launch A-Frame and Pedestal During ROV Deployment
BSEE investigates a hand injury during ROV deployment from the West Neptune drillship. A deckman trapped his left hand between the launch A-frame and lower pedestal. The report identifies gaps in task risk assessment and red-zone identification, and records planned assessment updates, labelled observation zones and a physical barrier.
- Undated
Manual Assist Handle Struck Operator During Life-Capsule Inspection
BSEE investigates a skull fracture during a routine life-capsule inspection at High Island A-5. A manual assist handle left inserted struck an operator when the powered winch raised the capsule. Findings identify a bypassed safety device and absent task analysis; follow-up includes planned training, JSHA development and procedure review.
- Undated
Casing Drop and Crane Line Failure During Well Abandonment
During well abandonment, casing-jack slips damaged a hydraulic fitting, releasing pressure and allowing casing to drop several feet. The attached crane auxiliary line broke, dropping its headache ball onto the deck. The investigation identifies inadequate fitting protection and crane-connection timing, with no injuries or pollution reported.
- Undated
Grinder Loss of Control Caused Hand Injury During Ladder-Cage Cutting
Investigation of a hand injury during ladder-cage cutting on the Boxer Platform. The worker lost control of a grinder after changing position and pulling it towards his body. Analysis identifies an unchanged guard orientation, unsuitable tool selection and a job safety analysis that omitted controls for changing the handle position.
- Undated
Finger Crushed During Installation of Rotary Mounted Slips
An investigation examines a finger-crushing injury during installation of rotary mounted slips on Noble Bully I. Uneven hoisting caused the component to rotate, and the worker placed his hand in a pinch point. Findings address absent guarding and hazard markings, job safety analysis, and failures to monitor third-party working hours and rest.
- Undated
2009-028 Investigation of Fatality South Pass Area, South and East Additions, Block 90 Pipeline Right-of-Way OCS-G 26857, 18 July 2006, Gulf of Mexico, Off the Louisiana Coast.
Investigates a fatal crushing between pipe joints aboard the pipelay vessel Lorelay. The panel reconstructs grinding and conveyor operations, examines actuator controls and limit-switch interlocks, and leaves the initiating movement unexplained. Findings address deficient hazard analyses, task sequencing, supervision and formal training, with recommendations for additional protection and equipment checks.
- Undated
Accident involving unguarded riddle on multipurpose fishing vessel Sian Elizabeth with 1 person injured
Investigation of a serious injury to a 17-year-old crewman handling cockles aboard Sian Elizabeth. An unguarded riddle trapped his left thumb and drew his arm into the machinery. Findings address inadequate risk assessment, familiarisation and statutory training, with recommendations concerning young workers, vessel compliance and regulatory inspection.
- Undated
Entanglement while hauling gear on stern trawler Our Boy Andrew with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal accident aboard Our Boy Andrew during single-handed trawling. The skipper is believed to have been guiding the net when his hood toggle became entangled. The report examines drum modifications, separation from operating controls, absent emergency stops, guarding, risk assessment and AIS-assisted emergency location.
- Undated
Lifeboat winch failure during routine drill on passenger cruise ship Arcadia with 1 person injured
During Arcadia’s routine lifeboat drill at Tenerife, a winch failed because its sprag coupling lubricant was too viscous and differed from the manufacturer’s specification. The lifeboat lowered uncontrollably. Subsequently, a retained hand crank struck an electrical officer’s head when the winch started with its handle cut-out bypassed.
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Safe use of work equipment
Approved Code of Practice and accompanying guidance explain PUWER duties for selecting, using, inspecting and maintaining work equipment. Coverage includes competence, machinery safeguarding, operating controls, energy isolation and travelling mobile equipment. The document distinguishes statutory requirements, approved-code provisions and non-compulsory guidance.
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Transocean Offshore - Transocean Barents - Investigation into an incident involving personal injury
Investigation of a derrick inspection injury on Transocean Barents during drillstring running. A descending top-drive yoke struck and squeezed a worker against a platform railing. Findings address inadequate platform protection, conflicting access procedures, unclear restricted zones and deficient coordination and risk assessment of simultaneous work.