The vessel was underway on the open ocean in rough weather.
The electrical officer and another crew were to check the tightness of the accommodation blower’s V-belts. Prior to the job the lock-out/tag-out procedures were followed and the blower suction, outlet and recirculating flaps were closed.
Electro Technical Officer (ETO) injured working on ship
The blower door was opened for inspection and team started checking the V-belts for tightness. As they were finishing their inspection the vessel took a roll due to the sea state. Both men lost their balance, and in an attempt to hold on to something the electrical officer’s left hand fell on the blower’s V-belt. As his weight came to bear on the belt it caused the belt to move, trapping his hand between the V-belt and the blower pulley wheel. The victim was able to extricate his hand but not without negative consequences. Two fingers and his thumb were badly injured. After receiving first aid he was evacuated from the ship by helicopter.
Dangerous working on vessel rolling state
– Crews should take vessel movements into consideration in their risk assessments before undertaking a task. Less essential tasks should be done when there is minimal vessel movement.
-In this instance there was no securing arrangement to prevent the door from moving when it was open. A securing hook arrangement was fabricated for the doors in order to secure them while open.
