Description of Incident
Crew on a cargo vessel were preparing to open a cargo hold hatch cover, which was sealed by several wedges. The usual technique for releasing the wedges was to use a sledgehammer. A crew member quickly approached the wedge and, without taking time to prepare, swung the sledgehammer. The sledgehammer hit the wedge, but instead of coming out, the wedge remained lodged in place and sledgehammer shattered, sending debris flying towards the crew member. A small fragment of the securing wedge penetrated the crew member’s right leg, just below the knee. The crew member received first aid and was signed off work for three days to recover from their injury.
To view this IMCA safety alert in full, click the 'Download Alert' button above and refer to section 5 of the document.
Rate this alert
Average Rating
Latest Alerts & Moments
Our searchable catalogue of hundreds of Safety Alerts and Safety Moments are all designed as learning resources that can help improve workplace safety.
