Thumb cut – Removal of guarding/safety observation
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 June 2003
- Generated on 8 May 2026
- IMCA SF 05/03
- 1 minute read
A Member reports that while cutting a sheet of paper on a manual cutting machine, an employee’s left thumb was placed into the cutting line as the blade was pulled down. Upon investigation it was learned that the barrier guard had been removed from the paper cutter by another employee.
The company concerned has noted the following points:
- Guarding/Barriers – The barrier guard (a small metal rod preventing the thumb or fingers entering the cutting line of the blade) should never be removed from a paper cutter. If a guard has been removed, the cutter should not be used.
- Inspection – All paper cutters should be checked for proper guarding.
- Caution – Even with a barrier guard in place, care must still be taken to keep free hands and other objects away from the blade. It is still possible to cut oneself if above the barrier guard height and into the cutting line of the blade.
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.