Near miss: worker suffers electric shock
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 July 2025
- Generated on 2 January 2026
- IMCA SF 12/25
- 2 minute read
A member of a vessel crew suffered a mains electric shock when working on a crane pedestal.
What happened?
The incident occurred whilst the worker was performing a small oil clean up on a 50t crane pedestal. The worker suffered the electrical shock when he brushed his hand against one of two disconnected cables coiled on nearby cable trays.
The worker was subsequently visited by the vessel medic and was unharmed.
What went wrong?
One of the two cables was incorrectly terminated, had exposed wires, was incorrectly labelled and was energized with 220V. The cabling had been left in this condition following a yard visit less than a year before. The cable had been intended to be used as a General-Purpose Outlet (GPO).
What was the cause?
There was a failure of the vessel assurance process when the vessel was handed over by the yard following recent yard work, resulting in disconnected cables being left energized.
Actions
- Our member conducted a thorough search following the incident, and ten more disconnected but de-energized cables were identified elsewhere on board.
- Improvement and establishment of a more rigorous control over future electrical commissioning work, preferably the work should be assigned to company electricians rather than third party contractors.
Members may wish to refer to
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 24/18
30 October 2018
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IMCA SF 07/09
2 June 2009
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IMCA SF 19/23
3 August 2023
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IMCA SF 05/13
4 April 2013
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