Injury while grinding without PPE
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 March 2005
- Generated on 16 September 2025
- IMCA SF 03/05
- 1 minute read
A worker was cutting an aluminium roof using a grinder when the wheel came apart, striking the worker in the face and causing serious injury between his upper lips and nose. A two week stay in the hospital was recommended by the doctor.
What were the causes?
The company involved noted that:
- An improper grinding wheel had been used.
- No safety guard was found on the grinder.
- A face shield was not used.
- The worker had ignored both the company’s safety instructions and the warning labels/instructions on the grinding tool.
Lessons learnt
The company has re-emphasised the importance of following correct and safe practices, using the right tool for the job and adhering to all warning labels/signs.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.