An incident occurred on board a tanker underway in fair weather conditions. The case was reported by The Nautical Institute and involved a crew member sustaining hand injuries during routine waste disposal.
What Happened
A crew member was disposing of galley food waste in the designated container on deck. To access the container, he lifted the heavy cover but did not install the safety pin designed to hold the door open. Instead, he attempted to hold it manually. The door slipped and struck his left hand, causing severe injuries to two fingers. The injured crew member received first aid on board, was evacuated ashore, and later repatriated for medical follow-up.
Why It Happened
The incident occurred because the established procedure for securing the hatch cover with a safety pin was not followed. The crew member, though experienced in the task, relied on his own strength to hold the cover open, demonstrating overconfidence and a disregard for required safeguards.
Actions Taken
The investigation emphasized that the task was familiar but incorrectly performed due to non-adherence to procedures. No additional corrective measures were reported beyond medical treatment and repatriation.
Lessons Learned
- Routine tasks still carry risks; familiarity must not lead to complacency.
- Safety devices, such as locking pins, must always be used as intended.
- A strong safety culture requires strict adherence to established procedures and practices.
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Source: The Nautical Institute
