Injury sustained while operating steel lifting magnet

The crew person attempted to adjust a magnet by releasing a locking lever that was located low and far from their reach. As they adjusted the lever, it recoiled suddenly because of the spring-loaded tension, hitting them in the face. They sustained a cut to the left cheek requiring fifteen stitches. It could have been worse: it might have been damaged or broken teeth or facial bones in this incident.

Recoiling lever of the lifting magnet	Steel plates being moved	Faded Caution sticker

Our member noted that a similar incident had occurred a year before, involving a different crew member, who suffered a minor cut on the chin when the handle of the same lifting magnet hit them.

• The lifting magnet was chosen for the task due to its perceived efficiency.
• The design of the operating lever meant that tension allowed it to spring back sharply.
• The lifting magnet normally underwent annual inspection but was not subject to regular maintenance, relying solely on user reports for faults.
• A similar incident happened a year ago.
• The original warning stickers, placed when the previous incident happened, had faded and became illegible.