LTI: Diver suffered crush injury to finger

What happened

A diver sustained a crush injury to his finger. The incident occurred when a diving support vessel was working on a decommissioning project, and the dive team were working to re-instate a side panel on a subsea tree. The task was carried out by using the vessel main crane in active heave compensation mode, with the divers required to position the panel into the tree hinges. While the diver’s hand was positioned between the panel and the tree, the vessel heaved, causing movement on the panel, causing the diver’s finger to be crushed between the panel and the tree.

The diver sustained a fracture and laceration to his right-hand ring finger, resulting in an LTI.

What went wrong

The investigation found that:

• The diver was holding the sling too close to the panel, meaning that when the vessel heaved, his hand was in the line of fire;
• While pinch points were identified as a hazard, no specific measures (i.e., use of tag lines) had been implemented to suitably control the hazard;
• While the procedure allowed for two methods of completing the task (either through the use of the crane or the use of lift bags) there was no guidance or instruction on factors to consider when deciding on which method to use.

Lessons learned

• When moving loads, wherever possible pinch point hazards should be eliminated by use of ‘hands-off’ lifting techniques:
  • For deck operations, this should be through push/pull poles or taglines;
  • For subsea operations, this should be through taglines.
• Where it is not possible or advisable to use ‘hands-off’ lifting techniques, the task risk assessment should be reviewed and updated to outline how the pinch point hazard will be managed and controlled;
• When carrying out a diving operation which allows for differing methods to be used (e.g. use of lift bag or crane), guidance should be provided on factors to consider when making the right decision, including:
  • Proximity and position of Diver relative to the work area and load;
  • Weight of load and ease of installation;
  • Pinch point hazards related to the task;
  • Potential for vessel movement and weather conditions.

Members may wish to refer to:

• Riggers injured while disconnecting rigging
• Near miss: divers umbilical drawn beneath a load [the vessel heaved leading to unexpected behaviour of a load]
• Hand pinched between cable and cable roller frame