200702 Splinter in vein

An engine rating was engaged in cold work with a heavy hammer and chisel on the engine room work-bench. The chisel had been well used over time and the head was flared with overhanging, curled strips of metal. With his left hand grasping the chisel close to the head, he struck another heavy hammer blow on the head. At that instant, a small sliver of metal was ejected at high speed. The rating felt a sharp stab of pain at the base of his left thumb. A small hole was visible but there was no bleeding. Within a few minutes, his left thumb began swelling rapidly accompanied by increasing pain. It was clear that the splinter had lodged itself inside a vein at the base of the thumb and was blocking blood flow.

Fortunately, the ship was in port, and following a telephone call to the agents, the rating was quickly taken to a hospital. Two X-rays were taken to determine the extent of injury and pinpoint the location of the splinter, which was extracted after a minor surgery. The rating was able to resume work after a week’s rest and removal of sutures at the next port.

Root causes/contributory factors
Poor housekeeping;
Lack of awareness of hazards when working with ‘undressed’ tools.

Other lessons
Housekeeping means not only good organisation and cleanliness of work areas, but includes the proper ‘dressing’ and maintenance of working tools.
Tools that cannot be repaired or reconditioned must be put beyond use.
Flared heads of punches and chisels must be ground off and striking surfaces maintained flat and smooth.
Tools must never be used inappropriately.
Active training and prominent notices must instil and maintain awareness of the hazards arising from neglect and improper use of hand tools.