MSF: Hand injuries

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 17 October 2013
  • Generated on 12 November 2025
  • IMCA SF 16/13
  • 1 minute read

The Marine Safety Forum has published two safety flashes regarding hand injuries.

Incident 1

A crewman suffered crush injuries when his hand was caught between a small boat and a davit frame as the small boat was being recovered. The incident occurred because he put his hand out to steady himself, didn’t look where he put his hand and inadvertently placed it on the FRC davit frame.

Incident 2

Whilst unpacking supplies, someone received a 1.5 to 2.0cm cut to the back of his left hand between his index and middle finger. The injury was caused by an old packing knife blade of approximately 7 cm. It was not known how or why the blade came to be in the box.

Members are reminded that IMCA has published a pocket safety card ‘Watch your hands‘.

The safety flashes are now available on request from the Marine Safety Forum.

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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.

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