Worker suffered eye injuries in electric arc incident
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 October 2025
- Generated on 21 November 2025
- IMCA SF 18/25
- 2 minute read
A Vessel ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) sustained light burn injuries to the eyes.
What happened?
A Vessel ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) sustained light burn injuries to the eyes (“arc-eye”) due to an electrical arc spike during disconnection of a shore power cable. The ETO reportedly switched off the breaker at the quayside and managed to disconnect the cable from vessel shore connection Junction box. When pulling out the cable, it appeared that cable was still energized from shore side and an electric arc occurred, causing light burn injury to the eyes.
What went wrong?
Our member’s initial findings show that there was inadequate communication between the vessel and the quayside shore power provider, including a lack of appropriate documentation.
What can we learn?
- Never assume that the power is off - always check the voltage with a certified tester. No cable is safe until it is tested and isolated.
- When handling power supply breakers, it may be good practice for two persons to be present.
- Communication between departments, between vessel and shore-side or dockyard personnel, between contractor and sub-contractor – can we work to improve how we communicate and pass vital information between stakeholders?
- Ensure there are appropriate risk assessments and toolbox talk for the any potentially hazardous activity.
Members may wish to refer to:
· IMCA video: Be prepared to work safely – electrical hazards
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 09/25
16 May 2025
-
-
IMCA SF 10/21
8 April 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 19/22
26 July 2022
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.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.