Equipment
Hand Tools
Manually held tools including powered handheld equipment.
Newest 100 Documents
All 243 in search- 202612 Aug
Improper Use of Hand Tools and Unplanned Deviations from Job Tasks Results in Injuries
Two construction workers sustained facial lacerations during bolt removal: one from an ejected pneumatic rivet-buster piston during troubleshooting, the other from reciprocating-saw kickback after changing tools and removing a face shield. The alert recommends considering pneumatic isolation, manufacturer instructions, job safety analysis updates and stopping work when tasks or protective equipment require reassessment.
- 202624 Mar
Person injured when pry bar slipped
A crew member fractured a right-hand knuckle after a pry bar slipped while refitting a dislodged vehicle track. The flash discusses circumstantial pressure from worsening weather, amendments to the job safety analysis and the possibility that impact gloves might have reduced injury severity without preventing it.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 202518 Dec
LTI: Leg injury while using hand-held grinder
A worker cutting wood with a hand-held grinder suffered a serious calf injury when the tool slipped, struck the floor and bounced back. The flash discusses prompt power shutdown and medical care, tool suitability, omitted toolbox discussion and perceived time pressure behind choosing a grinder rather than a hand saw.
- 202517 Nov
Stay in the right place – the importance of personal positioning
Two events illustrate unsafe personal positioning: a seafarer approached a deck edge during berthing to improve visibility, and workers pushed a suspended load during lifting alongside. The flash discusses communication, barriers, hands-free lifting tools, keeping outside load impact zones, clear decks and stopping unsafe work.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202511 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 507 - Improper Use of Equipment and Tools Increases Risk of Fires and Explosions Offshore
BSEE identifies recurring offshore tool misuse involving live electrical circuits, explosive atmospheres and high-pressure or high-temperature systems. Cases include unsuitable hand tools and a plumber’s plug used during welding. Recommendations address competence evaluation, tool ratings and tracking, maintenance, pre-work audits, qualified inspections and authority to halt unsafe work.
- 20254 Sep
MSF: Grease gun hand injury
A crew member suffered a grease injection injury through a glove while disconnecting a battery-powered grease gun hose during tensioner maintenance. The flash reports a malfunctioning pressure release valve and possible handling and training shortcomings. Lessons emphasise manufacturer instructions, pre-use hose and nipple inspections, suitable gloves and consideration of safer tools.
- 202531 Jul
Near miss: High voltage arc inside tether termination manifold
A dislodged HPU conductor caused arcing inside an ROV tether termination manifold. Subsequent checks identified reduced insulation resistance and gas, whose origin was unconfirmed without testing. The flash examines unapproved termination lugs and records re-termination, system testing and recommendations to assess crimping tools and review procedures and gas-venting precautions.
- 20253 Jul
LTI: Hand injury during capstan maintenance
A crew member suffered a serious hand injury while greasing a vessel capstan when rotation trapped his hand between an underside wire clamp and the deck. The flash examines difficult access and grease-gun design, describing grease-point extensions, clamp removal, revised maintenance procedures and wider inspections for line-of-fire hazards.
- 20254 Jun
Hand injuries dealing with sharp objects
Two incidents involved a cutter slicing through a glove during halyard maintenance and a damaged package rim cutting a crew member’s hand during manual adjustment. Lessons emphasise keeping hands clear of blades, using stable cutting surfaces where possible, wearing suitable protective gloves and inspecting packages for hazards.
- 20256 Mar
Person fell in engine room and injured head
An oiler working alone suffered head injuries after a pipe used to reposition a heavy cylinder head slipped, causing him to fall backwards from an unprotected elevated area. The flash highlights underestimated task complexity, familiarity and inadequate lever insertion, and recommends barriers, serious toolbox talks and avoiding lone working where possible.
- 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.
- 202412 Nov
Diver exposed to unplanned release of production gas
A saturation diver removing a blind stab from a subsea skid was pushed backwards by released production gas but remained unharmed. The flash identifies unverified isolation, deviation from procedures, inadequate review of task risks and unused ROV tooling. It highlights change management, procedural hold points and reinforcement of stop-work authority.
- 20243 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 487 - Recurring Hand Injuries While Using Alternative Cutting Devices
BSEE describes two hand lacerations during zip-tie cutting with alternative cutting devices: one had a damaged protective tip, and another lacked its blade guard and rebounded. Recommendations for consideration include task-specific tool selection in job safety analysis, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202414 Aug
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
A worker fractured their left little finger between a table and wrench while changing an angle grinder’s wire wheel. The flash identifies an incorrect method, absent formal training, missing impact-resistant gloves and failures in permits, risk assessment and supervision. Actions included revised assessment, formal training and review of supervisors’ responsibilities.
- 202431 Jul
MAIB: LTI – a wedge shattered causing injury
A cargo-vessel crew member struck a hatch-cover securing wedge with a sledgehammer. The wedge shattered, and a fragment penetrated their right leg below the knee, resulting in three days off work. The flash prompts equipment and work-area checks and consideration of force, swing alignment and direction.
- 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.
- 202430 Apr
Injuries to the eyes and face
Three crew incidents involve a screwdriver striking a cheek, an unplanned hydraulic-fluid release injuring a crane driver’s face and eye, and airborne debris entering an eye despite safety glasses. The flash discusses tool choice, written work instructions, refresher training, appropriate eye protection, engineering controls and stop-work authority.
- 202412 Feb
Dropped Object
Before laying down a bottom hole assembly, a measurement-while-drilling employee noticed a loose acorn nut on a lifting tool and tried tightening it manually. The employee knew the specified torque was 300 ft.-lbs. but did not use a torque wrench.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Electrician injured in explosion
An electrician suffered serious burns aboard a ship after a spanner bridged live switchboard conductors, causing a short-circuit and arc flash. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with the circuit-breaker assembly, disregarded instructions, unplanned work without a permit or lockout/tagout, and unsuitable tools and protective equipment.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during shackle handling
A crew member suffered a left middle finger crush injury while removing a 35 tonne SWL shackle during pennant wire spooling. The flash identifies incorrect shackle size, absent last-minute risk assessment and failure to intervene, and recommends appropriate tools rather than hands to release heavy shackles.
- 20231 Jul
BSEE: Lack of training with hydraulic torque wrench contributes to fatality
A drillship crew member died after a stuck hydraulic torque wrench was freed under applied tension and shot upwards during riser disconnection. The flash identifies unrecognised tool limitations, inadequate training and communication, and supervisory shortcomings. Actions address job safety analysis, formal training, stop-work intervention and tool compatibility.
- 202321 Jun
BSEE: A warning on tagline entanglement
This safety flash summarises four offshore incidents in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted, without injury. BSEE recommendations address hands-free alternatives, anti-tangle lines, line condition and length, safe handling and retrieval, clear work areas, and agreed communications before lifting.
- 202315 Jun
Wacker Polysilicon Chemical Release
This investigation examines a hydrogen chloride release during heat-exchanger maintenance at Wacker Polysilicon. Excessive bolt torque fractured a graphite nozzle; three workers fell while escaping, with one fatality. The report analyses maintenance instructions, hazardous-energy control, simultaneous insulation work and restricted egress, recommending clearer procedures, coordinated operations and additional escape routes.
- 202324 May
Hand injury while using manual torque tool
A project engineer assisting with bolt torquing injured his hand when it slipped between a force multiplier’s reaction bar and a gooseneck. The flash identifies gaps in supervision, role briefing, toolbox-talk participation and training, and calls for clear responsibilities, inclusive briefings and understood stop-work authority.
- 202316 May
Adaptation and Modification of Tool Results in Injury
An offshore worker sustained a hand laceration requiring sutures while shortening a combination wrench with a hacksaw for hydraulic-line installation. The alert examines unavailable suitable tools, unapproved modification and failure to consult a supervisor. Corrective actions address close-radius tools, pre-job hazard assessment and communicating restrictions on altering manufacturers’ equipment.
- 20231 May
Recent Tagline Entanglements Result in Several high Potential Near Misses
BSEE describes four offshore lifting near misses in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted with loads, without injury. Operators and contractors are asked to consider safer tagline selection and handling, hands-free retrieval tools, clear work areas, agreed crane signals and job safety analysis of tagline hazards.
- 202320 Apr
Dropped spanner falls 15 m
A spanner detached from its tool lanyard during hydraulic hose replacement outside protective netting and fell 15 metres to a deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines worn carabiner threads, unauthorised additional work and barrier weaknesses, and describes actions on inspection, maintenance, work limits and dropped-object exclusion areas.
- 20234 Apr
LTI: Hand injury in galley
A cook preparing meat aboard a vessel alongside suffered a serious palm laceration when his knife slipped, requiring surgery to repair three nerves. The flash discusses absent butcher’s gloves, meat temperature, pushing and pulling the blade, and unassessed slipping risk. Lessons address cutting direction, appropriate PPE and lone workers’ stop-work authority.
- 2023Apr
Noise and Vibration
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ management of occupational noise and hand-arm vibration. It combines inspection questions, performance scoring and enforcement expectations with discussion of engineering controls, tool selection, exposure-time management, hearing protection and health surveillance. It distinguishes hearing protection from noise control and addresses sustained regulatory compliance.
- 202316 Mar
Broken Breaker Bar Injury with Medical Evaluation Guidance
A wrongly sized breaker bar fractured during star-nut removal, causing a worker to fall into a steel beam and sustain dental and lip injuries. The alert shares tool inspection, selection, positioning and stop-work lessons, and recommends considering medical-treatment options, worker privacy and regulatory reporting obligations.
- 20238 Mar
Khamsin Drillship Fatality (update)
A drillship crewmember died after a stuck hydraulic torque wrench, tensioned with a hydraulic utility winch, released upwards and struck him during riser bolt removal. The alert identifies training, communication, design and oversight shortcomings, and recommends operators and contractors consider improved job analysis, training, stop-work intervention and observer responsibilities.
- 202327 Feb
Battery explosion during routine maintenance
A harbour tug’s Chief Engineer sustained minor injuries when a spanner inadvertently short-circuited a battery during preparations to replace a failed disconnect switch. The flash discusses electrical isolation, terminal protection, suitable tools and protective equipment, alongside increased maintenance inspection and consideration of chargers with temperature sensors.
- 202311 Jan
02/23: Serious hand injury (MSF)
A crew member sustained a deep finger incision when returning a knife to its belt sheath after splicing polypropylene gangway guide ropes. Gloves had been removed and not replaced. The flash recommends intended knife use, cutting away from the body on a stable surface, required protective equipment and careful attention.
- 202230 Nov
LTI: burns to forearms
A worker suffered serious burns to both forearms after unexpected pipe assembly movement brought an arm into contact with the pipe during manual marking in coating work. Preliminary findings highlight routine manual intervention and absent consideration of engineered alternatives. Recommendations emphasise communicating stop-work expectations and challenging tasks to remove human exposure.
- 202230 Nov
MAIB: A scalding injury
An engineer aboard a cruise ship suffered severe facial scalding after opening an isolated economiser’s drain valve before cooling was complete. Hot water and steam discharged and deflected upwards from a tundish. The flash highlights discharge-path exposure, caution when opening pressurised drain lines, and controlled valve operation using a correctly sized wheel key.
- 20221 Nov
Failure to plan properly: electrician sustains serious burns (UK HSE)
An electrician suffered serious burns at a supermarket warehouse when his metal spanner contacted a live busbar, causing an electrical explosion. Generator connection work alongside high-voltage maintenance lacked adequate planning and contractor coordination. The flash highlights failures to stop the circuit supply and appoint a competent person to organise the work.
- 202214 Jul
Man overboard from anchor handler tug
During a grapnel run on an anchor handling tug, a T-bar hook snagged a crew member’s life jacket while chain was being overboarded, leading to a fall into the water. The crew recovered him within three minutes. Lessons address rescue drills, subcontractor oversight, snag-point removal and safer overboarding methods.
- 20221 Apr
American P&I Club: Fire Started from cutting torch work
A cargo-hold fire occurred during oxy-acetylene cutting on a vessel in port. Sparks and molten slag passed through pontoon gaps and ignited plastic cargo covering; slag also burnt through a fire blanket. The flash highlights location-specific hot work permits, vigilant fire watches and effective shielding of nearby cargo.
- 20221 Apr
NTSB: Dangerous engine failure – improper torquing
A ferry engine failed during a post-maintenance sea trial in Puget Sound, ejecting components and causing an engine-room fire. The NTSB identified insufficient tightening of a connecting-rod bolt during overhaul as the probable cause. The flash describes successful fire containment and recommends calibrated torque tools, manufacturer guidance and verification of tightening requirements.
- 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.
- 20218 Nov
MSF: Eye injury whilst opening paint tin lid
A worker opening a tight-fitting paint tin lid suffered a right-eye injury when a long-handled screwdriver slipped beneath fitted safety glasses. The flash identifies omitted task hazards in the risk assessment and difficulty controlling the tool. Purchase of a dedicated opener was agreed, with screwdrivers prohibited for this task.
- 202124 Sep
Evergreen Packaging Paper Mill - Fire During Hot Work
Investigation of a fatal fire during paper-mill tower maintenance in Canton, North Carolina. A heat gun fell into flammable resin, and fire spread between connected bleaching towers, killing two workers. The report examines hot-work recognition, confined-space permits, contractor coordination, combustible fibreglass construction and emergency response, with recommendations for procedures and training.
- 20219 Jun
MSF: Engine damage after routine maintenance
An offshore platform supply vessel stopped an engine following a high-temperature alarm. Inspection found valve-gear damage, 86 running hours after valve adjustments. Evidence indicated a loose adjusting-screw locking nut, most likely insufficiently tightened during reassembly. Lessons emphasise manufacturer requirements, careful reassembly checks and torque-wrench verification.
- 20212 Jun
LTI: Hand injury during diving operations
A diver suffered a serious finger injury while two divers unbolted a floating hose flange at a single point mooring. An impact wrench was started before the colleague was ready, causing his flogging spanner to trap three fingers. The flash highlights communication, risk assessment, tool positioning and consideration of alternative tools or methods.
- 202120 May
Injuries sustained during maintenance – worker positioning
This safety flash examines two maintenance injuries involving awkward worker positioning and hand tools: facial injuries from a slipping spanner and a shoulder muscle tear during bolt breaking with cutting shears. It recommends considering combined ergonomic factors in task risk assessments, pre-job planning and toolbox talks, supported by examples of ergonomic controls.
- 20216 May
Leg injury when struck by rebounding hammer
A crew member suffered a small cut and bruising above the ankle when a hammer rebounded during removal of a tugger winch securing pin. The flash examines body positioning and missed rebound hazards in risk assessment, and recommends checking the approach with colleagues and stopping work if unsafe.
- 20209 Oct
Crushed finger injury during wire transfer operations
A seaman sustained a crushed left index finger while removing a stopper chain during tow-wire transfer aboard a vessel. Premature removal of a crowbar allowed the wire to fall onto his hand. The flash examines routine-task complacency and unreviewed risk assessment, emphasising assessment, communication and keeping hands clear.
- 202015 Sep
Hand injury from portable hand-held angle grinder
A worker cleaning equipment with a wire-brush angle grinder suffered a deep hand abrasion when the glove was drawn into the brush. The flash identifies an incomplete risk assessment, missing side grip, unsafe positioning, absent formal training and inadequate supervision, and records corrective actions addressing these shortcomings.
- 202012 Jun
Serious injury caused by high-pressure washer
A supervisor suffered a thigh laceration during cleaning of a vessel thruster grating on a dock floor with a 250 bar water jet. Unexpected lance kick-back led the operator to turn and spray him. The flash highlights missing barriers, access restrictions, supervisory positioning, operator competence and pressure-rated protective equipment.
- 202028 Apr
LTI: Worker lost his thumb
An assistant driller lost his left thumb above the knuckle while releasing an Inner Barrel from an Overshot during core sampling. The barrel dropped under its own weight, trapping his thumb against the casing. Actions included revising work instructions and reminding crews to use the appropriate Lay Key.
- 202031 Mar
Potential for diver injury operating a hand-held torque wrench
A diver’s use of a hand-held torque wrench on a subsea valve override was stopped by a technician. Sudden spring unwinding could have rotated the wrench into the diver. Ambiguous drawing warnings, incomplete procedures and unavailable installation instructions contributed to an unsafe assumption about tool suitability.
- 202019 Feb
Two electrical incidents – UK HSE
This flash summarises two HSE prosecutions involving live electricity. Workers suffered serious hand burns after a fixing penetrated a live cable during cable-tray repairs. In a separate container delivery, a crane arm contacted an overhead power line, causing an electric shock to a helper. Both investigations identified shortcomings in assessing the work.
- 201915 Nov
Man overboard from single-handed creel boat Sea Mist with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Sea Mist’s lone skipper near Macduff. Fishing gear entanglement pulled him into the water without a personal flotation device. The report examines rope-cut evidence, possible drowning circumstances, cold-water effects and rescue efforts, emphasising separation from fishing gear and improved dissemination of single-handed fishing guidance.
- 201928 Oct
Ruptured acetylene hose: Fire
A subcontractor lighting an oxy-acetylene torch on a vessel experienced a small fire at a ruptured acetylene hose. The cause remained unestablished. The flash discusses flash-back prevention through equipment maintenance, arrestors, correct connections and separate hose purging, alongside contractor compliance and conditional emergency actions.
- 201910 Jul
Safety Alert 359 - Unsafe Use of Pipe Wrenches Discovered during Inspection
An inspection found damaged pipe wrenches being torqued with come-alongs attached through shackles during decommissioning. The alert explains manufacturers’ overload and injury warnings, recommends hand-only use and removal of damaged wrenches, and advises operators to consider restrictions on misuse and checks of contractors’ tools before and during work.
- 20195 Jul
Line of fire: Cutting injury to index finger
A crew member injured his left index finger and ring finger when a safety knife slipped while stripping a core conductor. The flash identifies inadequate risk assessment and absent pre-task assessment, and describes alternative tooling and techniques alongside task-specific tool selection and suitable protective equipment.
- 20194 Jun
Use of 220V AC power tools and equipment
This safety flash addresses concerns about portable 220V AC tools during mobilisation and demobilisation, including cable management, damage, ingress protection and unsuitable conditions. It recommends task-based assessment and pre-use inspection, consideration of alternative tools, and conditional, risk-assessed use of 220V equipment when specified alternatives are unavailable.
- 2019Mar
Hand-arm vibration
Guidance explains employers’ hand-arm vibration duties, exposure assessment and practical ways to reduce risk through process redesign, suitable tool selection and maintenance. It covers daily exposure calculations, vibration measurement, the limitations of anti-vibration gloves, and tiered health surveillance, including clinical assessment of HAVS and vibration-related carpal tunnel syndrome.
- 201818 Dec
Sharp wire: injury during routine maintenance
A seafarer sustained an arm cut when a spanner slipped during engine exhaust maintenance, bringing his arm into contact with reinforcing wire protruding from a flexible hose. The flash describes hospital treatment and highlights pre-maintenance checks, with removal, bending back or covering of the wire as possible precautions.
- 201810 Sep
Two serious dropped object near miss
Two near misses involved a ship’s light falling from a corroded mounting and a steel pin falling from a tower. Findings highlight uncorrected defects, inadequate task planning and unsecured tools. Recommendations address defect rectification, tool retention, work-at-height risk assessment, barrier positioning and inspection arrangements before vessel hire.
- 201820 Jul
LTI: diver injured during water jetting operations
A saturation diver sustained a left-arm lost-time injury during subsea high-pressure water jetting when the gun failed and a component detached. The flash identifies loose locking bolts, inadequate nut retention, unavailable manuals and maintenance shortcomings. Actions included management of change, equipment-condition checks and a dive-team awareness briefing.
- 201822 Jun
MSF: three potential near misses during cargo operations
Three MSF cargo-operation near misses concern a tool left on a container after a fire drill and two instances of wave-driven deck cargo movement. The accounts highlight a failed post-work inspection, cargo not re-secured after leaving a platform’s 500 m zone, and a crew member positioned unsafely near shifting containers.
- 201822 Mar
Technical Service Bulletin from Broco/Rankin – BR22 Plus Exothermic Cutting Torch
This safety flash highlights a Broco/Rankin bulletin concerning an external oxygen leak from a BR22 PLUS exothermic cutting torch. Investigation identified machining debris interfering with the valve’s oxygen seal. The supplied pages identify the leak location and describe torch preparation using an 18-inch cutting rod.
- 201823 Jan
LTI: Finger injury while using ‘safe hands’ tool
A crewman lost a fingertip when his hand was trapped between a scaffold rack and a ‘safe hands’ tool while positioning a container during a blind lift. The flash identifies an unrecognised gap hazard and attention directed away from the hand, and records stopping operations and reviewing practices and risk assessment.
- 201721 Dec
Finger injury while using a crowbar to try to shift a large shackle
A crew member injured his right ring finger when a crowbar slipped during shackle connection in anchor handling. The flash identifies inadequate pinch-point recognition and improper tool use, recommending capstans or tugger winches for repositioning and manual work only once rigging is safe and free of residual tension.
- 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.
- 20177 Nov
Finger injury: What happens when you DON’T use the right tool for the right job
During corrective maintenance of a fire pump, a crewman used a hammer and steel punching rod to remove a stuck impeller. A rod splinter penetrated his glove and injured his hand. The flash identifies unsuitable tools, an unavailable gear puller and inadequate cotton gloves, emphasising tool availability and appropriate PPE.
- 201721 Sep
Lost time injury (LTI) – Finger laceration due to use of knife
A crew member suffered finger and nail injuries when a knife slipped while cutting towards his free hand, despite wearing ANSI Level 4 cut-resistant gloves. Recovery required two weeks off work. The flash stresses keeping body parts clear of the cutting line and explains the limitations of gloves against serious knife wounds.
- 201723 Aug
Dropped object near miss – hammer dropped from scaffolding
A scaffold erection near miss aboard a vessel involved a 1.1 kg hammer falling over 12 m, bouncing off a handrail and landing outside the barriers. Nobody was harmed. The flash examines incompatible tool retention, insufficient exclusion-zone width and contractor training, supervision and communication of procedures.
- 20172 Aug
LTI: Injury to right wrist
A vessel engineer sustained a lost-time wrist/forearm injury when a drill snagged in metal tubing, spun and struck him while working from a ladder platform. The flash discusses inadequate supervision, overlooked changes in task height and deficient work planning, including the possibility of pre-drilling at deck level.
- 20172 Aug
Two cases of hand injuries – UK HSE
This flash reviews two HSE cases involving engineering firms: a hand injury during lathe polishing with emery cloth and gloves, and vibration-related symptoms among workers using powered hand tools. It highlights inadequate risk assessment, safe working guidance and training, alongside continued vibration exposure after symptoms arose.
- 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
Drill bit snapped: Finger injury sustained
A crewman injured his left thumbnail when an electric drill bit broke while attaching a broom head to a stick. Although the stick was secured in a vice, he held the head by hand. The flash identifies risk misperception and improper tool handling, with crew briefings and training proposed.
- 201712 May
LTI: Contact with refrigerant gas causing hand injury
An engineer sustained severe freezing burns to both hands after inadvertently opening a valve while checking a vessel’s operating air-conditioning system. The flash examines ratchet direction, exposure to released refrigerant, inadequate task assessment and unsuitable gloves, and sets out actions concerning training, permits, discharge arrangements and prompt injury reporting.
- 20174 May
Man overboard from potting fishing vessel Pauline Mary with the loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a fatal entanglement during manual pot shooting aboard Pauline Mary east of Hartlepool. The report examines deck loading, separation of crew from ropes, unavailable knives, unworn flotation devices and an unshared risk assessment. It also analyses recovery attempts, distress communications and passenger distraction, recommending updated passenger-carriage guidance.
- 20173 May
LTI: Leg injury caused during HP water jetting
A diver suffered a thigh cut while cleaning a riser with a Cavitek high-pressure water jet. The flash discusses insecure positioning, incorrectly calculated hose length and a potentially unsuitable short lance. Lessons address stable mid-water working, gun balance and condition, hose arrangements, trigger handling, risk assessment and communication.
- 201618 Oct
Serious finger injury during valve installation
An engineer lost the tip of his left middle finger while testing a replacement pneumatic valve for a vessel fuel system. He applied compressed air with an air-gun while manipulating the valve-flap with his fingers. The flash discusses inadequate planning, shortcuts, risk assessment and failures to apply permit and isolation procedures.
- 201618 Oct
Unsafe method of rope work resulted in severe hand injury
An Able Seaman suffered injuries to three fingers while spooling a mooring line onto a tugger winch before arrival in port. A slipping crowbar trapped his fingers against a roller. The flash identifies an unsafe spooling method, absent risk assessment and toolbox talk, and his being new aboard.
- 201613 Sep
Working at height – Use of wooden handled hammers
This safety flash describes several incidents in which wooden-handled hammer heads separated during work at height, with potential for major injury or fatality. The member required single-piece composite hammers instead, removed wooden-handled hammers used for elevated work and arranged regular checks for defects and homemade repairs.
- 20166 May
Lost time injury (LTI): Serious hand injury during high pressure washing operations
An able seaman suffered a severe finger cut while washing a ballast tank with a 250-bar pressure washer and a 10 cm short lance. The flash examines one-handed operation, inadequate nitrile gloves, insufficient risk assessment and missing written instructions, alongside PPE reviews and planned formal operator training.
- 201522 Oct
Line of fire injury – Man struck in face by hammer
Two crew members hammering bolts at a well-head used a short rope to hold a hammer wrench after anticipating impact hazards. The rope holder moved into the line of fire and was struck in the mouth when the hammer glanced off the wrench. The flash identifies inadequate situational awareness.
- 20157 Oct
Near Miss- Dropped Six Pound Sledge Hammer
A near-miss alert describes a tethered six-pound sledge hammer dropping during preparations to replace a leaking rig hose. As the derrickman was raised by a man rider, the hammer caught beneath a mast girt and the lanyard ring failed. It fell approximately 20 feet, landing about 10 feet from a flagger.
- 201510 Aug
Uncontrolled exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAVS)
This safety flash summarises an HSE prosecution concerning uncontrolled hand-arm vibration exposure in motor vehicle repair workshops. Up to 25 staff faced unrestricted handheld power-tool use. The account identifies absent tool replacement arrangements, inadequate maintenance, missing vibration-risk instruction and no health surveillance for early signs of HAVS.
- 201524 Jul
Poor Situation Awareness/Line of Fire Incident Results in OSHA Recordable
Two crew members tightening bolts during nipple-up used a three-foot rope to hold a hammer wrench after anticipating a hammer strike. As they moved around the stack, the rope holder entered the line of fire. A glancing hammer blow struck his mouth, causing an OSHA-recordable injury.
- 201523 Jun
‘Routine’ task, non-routine result: Finger injury during welding
A welder injured his left index finger while clearing loose slag by hand after cutting. A hole was found in his glove, but its timing was uncertain. The flash recommends using a broom, checking and replacing damaged PPE, and maintaining attention during routine tasks; welding risks were reassessed.
- 20152 Jun
Near-miss: Fire axe falls out of cabinet, almost hits a fireman’s toes
This safety flash describes a near miss in which a fire axe fell 1.5 m from an equipment cabinet and landed blade down a few centimetres from a crewman. He was wearing socks without toe-cap boots while preparing to put on a firefighter’s outfit.
- 20152 Apr
MSF: Hand injury during stowing of anchor chains
A crewman sustained a first-aid hand injury while re-stowing an anchor chain after dry-dock calibration. He used a large pinch bar to correct a misaligned link, then trapped his hand between the bar and an adjacent handrail while lowering it. The flash highlights risks from unexpected movement of heavy objects.
- 20152 Apr
MSF: Routine task – Badly cut finger changing mop head
A crew member cut his left index finger while using a pocket knife to remove glue during mop-head replacement, requiring surgery for tendon and nerve damage. The flash highlights unmanaged task changes. Additional supplied pages discuss a winch-brake failure with an uncertain cause and manufacturer checks for brake release and load transfer.
- 20153 Mar
Diver sustains water jetting injury
A diver removing marine growth from an offshore platform leg sustained a superficial injury above the left knee when a water jet triggered during repositioning. The safety lock was inactive. The flash records protective clothing and medical treatment, alongside additional briefing and advice to turn pressure off before moving locations.
- 20155 Feb
Dropped object: Failure of lump hammer
A lump hammer head detached while personnel removed tensioner gearbox dowels on a pipelay tower, falling approximately 25 metres to the deck without injury. The flash examines pre-use inspection limitations, shaft-only tethering and exclusion arrangements, and records actions to prevent further use of this hammer brand at height.
- 201422 Oct
Dropped Object: Hammer is Kicked from Work Basket
An alert describes a 5 pound (2.3kg) shop hammer accidentally kicked from a work basket during preparations to nipple down an annular. It travelled approximately 10 feet (3 metres) down and struck another employee’s hard hat, creating a pinch point with his safety glasses and causing a laceration below his left eyebrow.
- 20147 Aug
High potential dropped object incident
During collection of technicians from a wind turbine, a ratchet and two sockets fell approximately 15 m onto a workboat, narrowly missing a crewman. Nobody was injured. The flash identifies unsecured tools carried during ladder descent and recommends bagged crane transfer and buddy checks for loose objects and correct PPE use.
- 201421 Jul
Hand Tool Left on CCU Results in Potential Dropped Object
A flagman spotted a loose sledgehammer on a cargo carrying unit being received from a vessel at an offshore platform. Borrowed to clear an obstruction from a mud-loading hose in port, the tool had inadvertently been left on the unit. The platform landing area was secured against entry during cargo operations.
- 201417 Jul
Potential dropped object – poor housekeeping
This flash recounts the discovery of a loose sledgehammer on a cargo carrying unit being lifted from a supply vessel to a platform. Weighing over 2 kg, the tool could have fallen 60 m, with fatal consequences if it had struck someone.
- 201416 Apr
Hand injury: Grease injection into small finger
This safety flash describes a grease injection injury sustained while lubricating earth-moving plant with a hand-held grease gun. Medical treatment involved a lengthy operation, removal of a forearm vein and replacement with an artificial vein. The account draws on a Marine Safety Forum alert.
- 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.
- 201317 Oct
MSF: Hand injuries
This flash summarises two Marine Safety Forum hand injuries. A crewman trapped his hand between a small boat and a davit frame during recovery. Another person cut his left hand while unpacking supplies, using a box containing an old packing knife blade whose presence was unexplained.
- 201325 Jun
Use of portable electrical deck equipment
This flash describes unsuitable ingress protection on portable electrical deck equipment and undersized replacement plugs on grinders, with potential overheating, burns or electric shock. Recommendations address minimum IP56 protection, use of more robust IP67 connectors, equipment checks, removal or correction of deficient equipment, and personnel awareness of electrical ratings.