Common Hand Injuries and How They Occur
Offshore working environments expose crew members to a wide range of hazards. Most hand injuries happen during routine, everyday tasks, which makes them preventable with proper awareness.
Most Common Offshore Hand Injuries
1. Pinch Point Injuries
Happen when hands or fingers are trapped between:
- Moving equipment
- Heavy tools
- Pipe sections
- Hinged components
Even small pinch points can cause severe fractures or crushing.
2. Impact Injuries
Result from:
- Dropped tools
- Heavy hammer blows
- Mis-strikes
- Sudden movement of equipment
Most impact injuries affect knuckles, fingertips, and the palm.
3. Cuts and Lacerations
Usually caused by:
- Sharp edges on tools
- Burrs on metal surfaces
- Defective knives or blades
- Slipping screwdrivers
Incorrect tool use contributes heavily to these injuries.
4. Tool Slippage Injuries
Occurs when:
- Wrenches or sockets are the wrong size
- Tools are worn or rounded
- Excessive force is applied
- Body positioning is incorrect
These injuries often lead to hand/finger strikes or sudden loss of balance.
5. Burns and Heat Injuries
Caused by:
- Contact with hot surfaces
- Sparks
- Friction from rotary tools
- Hot work areas
Why These Injuries Happen
Most hand injuries offshore occur due to:
- Rushing or working too fast
- Poor tool condition
- Lack of awareness of the line-of-fire
- Fatigue during long shifts
- Using the wrong tool for the task
- Working in awkward positions
- Poor lighting or visibility
Key Takeaways
By understanding how hand injuries occur, workers can predict hazards before they appear — turning risky tasks into routine, safe operations.