Worker suffered crush injury while handling unstable steel plates

A worker was using their left hand to hold a number of steel plates in a vertical (balanced) position. One of the plates suddenly toppled over to the side trapping their left hand and wrist between a frame and an emergency stop pedestal. The worker suffered crush injuries resulting in multiple fractures to the hand, wrist and fingers requiring surgery. Also, the falling plate caught the worker on the left side, causing a superficial laceration to the abdomen.

Our member considered that a potential consequence could have been permanent disability to the hand, wrist or fingers and the potential for a more severe abdominal injury.

• The steel plates were being stored in a temporary arrangement outside the designated steel rack:
  • There had been no supervisory oversight of the decision to store the plates in this temporary way;
  • There was limited space in which to work.
• Sea fastenings had been removed during voyage, increasing risk of plate movement.
• Work as planned, work as done: the risk assessment did not reflect real task conditions.
• The task had been done this way without any problems in the past. Perception of risk could have been better:
  • The workers just got right on with the task and did not pause for a last minute risk assessment;
  • No manual handling aids were used.