Real Life Incident: Finger Crushed While Operating Crane Jib

Two crew members were tasked to secure the hose handling crane jib in its cradle support. One crew operated the crane while the other signaled. As the crane jib was lowered, the signaller attempted to manually align the wooden block over the jib cradle support.

He held the block and signaled to the operator to lower the jib. He did not notice that his own finger was positioned under the block. When the jib was lowered into position, his fingertip was crushed between the crane jib and the wooden block Immediate first aid was given and once in port, he visited a shore doctor for further treatment.

Lessons learned

• Crane operations are inherently risky. Excellent communications and situational awareness are essential for everyone involved.
• Crane operations need a dedicated crane operator and a dedicated signaller. If other manoeuvres are needed, a third person should be employed.

Reference: nautinst.org

Latest Case Studies You Would Like:

Real Life Incident: Collision In Daylight And Good Visibility

Posted on September 4, 2023

In the early morning a small cargo ship left port bound for a short sea destination. The OOW was alone on the bridge as it was now daylight and visibility was good.

Real Life Incident: Pressure Washer Risks

Posted on August 11, 2023

On a vessel underway, two engine room crew were detailed to clean the engine room ventilator water mist catcher using a pressure cleaner.

Real Life Incident: Hatch Gantry Crane Safety Study

Posted on August 10, 2023

Current gantry crane practice and risk reduction measures are not adequate, finds a report from Dutch Safety Board (DSB).

Real Life Incident: Cargo Fire Takes 10 Days To Extinguish

Posted on August 9, 2023

A general cargo vessel was fully loaded with cut timber packed into plastic-wrapped packages, both in the cargo hold and on deck.

Real Life Incident: Paltry PPU Position Predictor

Posted on July 17, 2023

In darkness and with visibility further reduced to about 150m in fog, a container vessel was being brought to a tidal river berth under pilotage.