Drill bit snapped: Finger injury sustained
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 June 2017
- Generated on 16 August 2025
- IMCA SF 13/17
- 2 minute read
A crewman was using an electric drill to fix a broom head to a broom stick, when the drill bit snapped off, causing the drill to slip, penetrating the crew member's safety glove and slightly dislodging the nail from his thumb.
What happened?
A crewman was in the process of using an electric drill to fix a broom head to a broom stick. The broom stick was held in the vice. The crewman was holding the drill with his right hand, and holding the broom head with his left.
The drill bit snapped off which caused the drill to slip and as a result it penetrated the crewman’s safety gloves and came in contact with the nail of his left thumb. This slightly dislodged the nail from the thumb. The injury required first aid treatment only.
wrong method
correct method
finger injured
drill bit snapped
What were the causes of the incident?
The root causes identified by our Member were misperception of risk and improper handling of tools.
Appropriate precautions were not taken in proper work techniques. Even though the vice was used, he still held the job with one hand. This could have resulted in a more serious injury.
What lessons were learned? And what were the actions?
- Briefing and training sessions to be conducted for vessel crew regarding safe working practices with hand tools.
- Greater involvement of vessel crew in identifying hazards and risks for each part of their job.
IMCA has published a short video and pocket card on hand safety:
Related safety flashes
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IMCA SF 09/03
1 August 2003
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