Finger struck while freeing shackle

What happened?

During unloading of a blade frame from a vessel, three 30-tonne (imperial) shackles (approximately 30.5 metric tonnes each) were removed without issue, but the fourth shackle became stuck.

An operator attempted to free the stuck shackle using an adjustable wrench that was too small, followed by a hammer.

While holding the shackle with their left hand, the operator struck it with the hammer, which slipped and impacted their left middle finger.

The injured person attended the infirmary, where no immediate issues were found, and they initially returned to work.

The following morning, an external medical assessment resulted in a 10-day medical leave.

Why did it happen?

Inappropriate tooling (a small wrench and a hammer) was used for the task.

The specific tool needed to free the shackles was not available on site.

A stop-work order was not applied by the operational team when they witnessed the injured person using their hand to hold the shackle.

What did they learn?

Tools should fit to their task. Technicians should check tool suitability against the equipment they are using it with.

Awareness needs to be raised among operators about best handling practices, the use of appropriate tools and the risks of using inappropriate tools.

Workers should understand that, regardless of rank, they have the right to issue a stop-work order at any time if they feel something is being done unsafely.

Ask yourself or your crew

Are the correct tools available for the job?

Are all members of your team comfortable issuing a stop work order, regardless of rank?

Is the correct tool for the task available on site, even if not directly available in the work area?

What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls, barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?

How do we know the risk controls and barriers are working?

What happened?

During unloading of a blade frame from a vessel, three 30-tonne (imperial) shackles (approximately 30.5 metric tonnes each) were removed without issue, but the fourth shackle became stuck.
An operator attempted to free the stuck shackle using an adjustable wrench that was too small, followed by a hammer.
While holding the shackle with their left hand, the operator struck it with the hammer, which slipped and impacted their left middle finger.
The injured person attended the infirmary, where no immediate issues were found, and they initially returned to work.
The following morning, an external medical assessment resulted in a 10-day medical leave.
Why did it happen?

Inappropriate tooling (a small wrench and a hammer) was used for the task.
The specific tool needed to free the shackles was not available on site.
A stop-work order was not applied by the operational team when they witnessed the injured person using their hand to hold the shackle.
What did they learn?

Tools should fit to their task. Technicians should check tool suitability against the equipment they are using it with.
Awareness needs to be raised among operators about best handling practices, the use of appropriate tools and the risks of using inappropriate tools.
Workers should understand that, regardless of rank, they have the right to issue a stop-work order at any time if they feel something is being done unsafely.
Ask yourself or your crew

Are the correct tools available for the job?
Are all members of your team comfortable issuing a stop work order, regardless of rank?
Is the correct tool for the task available on site, even if not directly available in the work area?
What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls, barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?
How do we know the risk controls and barriers are working?