201056 Finger cut by meat slicer

Finger cut by meat slicer
MARS Report 201056

The ship's messman was involved in preparing cold meat cuts for dinner using the electrical meat slicer fitted in the galley. Unfortunately, his left forefinger came between its body and the slicing disc resulting in a deep cut. After being given first aid, investigations revealed that the messman was not following proper procedures, due to insufficient knowledge, experience and training.

Corrective/preventative actions
1. All vessels are to discuss the above incident at their next safety meeting;
2. Before allowing any person to operate any equipment on board, proper training is to be given. In this case the chief cook should have trained the messman, who was relatively inexperienced, about the correct procedures to be followed.
3. Operating instructions for galley equipment should be readily available and posted in the vicinity of such equipment.
4. All galley personnel who operate any equipment in the galley should be aware of the emergency stops for the equipment.
5. Personnel to take care while working with any equipment especially where the possibility of cuts/burns etc exist.