MSF: Routine task – badly cut finger changing mop head
The Marine Safety Forum has published a safety flash regarding an incident in which someone suffered a painful cut to the finger whilst engaged in a ‘routine’ cleaning task. He was in the process of changing a sponge mop head. Whilst attempting to fit a new mop head he saw that one of the retaining channels had glue in it which was preventing it from fitting the holder. He tried to clear out the glue with his pocket knife and in doing so he slipped and sustained a cut to the left index finger. The cut was quite deep, partially severing the flexor tendon and damaging the associated nerve. A surgery was required to repair the damage.
The incident highlights failure to manage change properly. The injured person deviated from the original intent to carry out ‘routine’ cleaning duties, and instead attempted to fix a new problem with the mop head with the tools and facilities to hand, without recognizing the inherent risks of the new task.
Members may wish to refer to the following similar incidents (key words: knife slipped):
Safety Event
Published: 2 April 2015
Download: 
IMCA SF 05/15
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.