Recurring hand injuries from alternative cutting devices

Description of Incident

The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Alert 487 relating to an observed trend of recurring hand injuries while using alternative cutting devices.

Incident 1: While running a new cable in a cable tray, an offshore worker was using a cutter to remove previously installed zip ties. Although the protective tip of the cutter was damaged, exposing the blade, the offshore worker continued to use the damaged cutting device. The exposed blade cut through the worker’s glove, causing a laceration on the left hand between the thumb and index finger.

Incident 2: An offshore worker sustained a laceration to the back of their hand, between the thumb and index finger, while cutting zip ties. The incident occurred when the cutting device rebounded, causing the injury. It was found that the protective guard over the blade was missing, leaving the blade exposed (Figure 2).

To view this IMCA safety alert in full, click the 'Download Alert' button above and refer to section 2 of the document.