Skip to content

Finger injury during shackle handling

What happened

During a pennant wire spooling operation, the injured person was trying to remove a 35 tonne SWL shackle from the pennant eye. While trying to jiggle the shackle, it landed on his left middle finger causing a crush injury 1.5cm long.

What went wrong

  • The task supervisor (the Bosun) saw the crew person holding the shackle but did not warn him or intervene;
  • There was no last minute risk assessment carried out;
  • The shackle as initially used was the wrong size.

Lessons learned

  • The task supervisor is in charge to control the operation, ensure it is safely conducted, and that the proper tools are used. It is the responsibility of the task supervisor to intervene;
  • Use appropriate tools such as crow bars and hammers to release heavy shackles, rather than your hands. Do not expose your hands by handling heavy items.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 13 July 2023
Download: IMCA SF 17/23

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.