202531 Grinder causes fatal bleeding

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Deck crew were undertaking normal maintenance jobs on a loaded bulk carrier at sea. The plan for the day included washing the open deck areas on the main deck and exterior accommodation. The Chief Officer held a toolbox meeting, during which the crew members were divided into four teams. The bosun was assigned to wash the aft upper deck.

During these operations, the bosun left his cleaning station and walked forward. He met some members of the other work teams on the way and had a conversation with them before entering the port side forecastle store.

At about 0945, a crew member on the main deck heard someone calling loudly from forward. He turned around to see the bosun standing nearby, using his right hand to support his heavily bleeding left arm. The crew member immediately informed his teammates. They assisted the bosun to lie on the deck and applied first aid. They attempted to minimise the bleeding and then carried him to the vessel’s hospital.

A pool of blood was discovered at the area where the bosun had been working, along with a cut fire hose and a grinder. The grinder was connected to an electric power extension unit on the deck, and was switched off.

The Master joined the crew at the hospital and found the victim had a serious cut with severe bleeding on his left arm. The Master contacted the company for emergency medical assistance and altered the ship’s course towards the closest port of refuge. He also contacted the local Coast Guard to request an emergency helicopter transfer to a shore hospital. However, the vessel was beyond the helicopter’s maximum range. A meeting point was arranged and the vessel sailed at full speed towards it.

Crew members closely monitored the bosun’s condition and provided medical care based on guidance from a shore doctor. At 1525 hours, the bosun was unconscious with a weak pulse. Crew members performed CPR, and continued even after the helicopter reached the vessel at 1740 hours.

The bosun was airlifted to shore and then transferred by ambulance to hospital. Unfortunately, at 2047 hours, the bosun was pronounced dead.

Lessons learned

• Copious bleeding from a large artery is an emergency. In this case crew attempted to control the bleeding and were guided by a shore doctor but in the end the victim succumbed to his injuries. The report does not mention whether a tourniquet was used to control the bleeding.
• Grinders are powerful tools that must be used appropriately. Proper guards and PPE are a must, as is proper use of the tool. It takes both hands to safely use a grinder.