In the past week there were 3 hand injuries at Sembcorp, the worst safety performance in many years. On February 6th, an employee's hand was cut with a knife requiring stitches. On February 7th, an employee's hand was trapped between a crane hook and steelwork causing bruising. On February 11th, an employee's finger was amputated after being struck by a log. All injuries appeared to be due to employees putting their hands in the "line of fire". To prevent future injuries, employees must read risk assessments, think before acting, use the correct tools safely, and wear protective equipment correctly.

1. Health, Safety and Environment
SIMS awaiting
Weekly Safety Review 26 First Aid Recordable
Managers Comments
No. injuries ytd 2 2
Injury rate ytd 0 0
No. days worked since last 3 Injury
Performance
Issue Date : 14 / 2 / 2012 OSHA recordable (11/2/12)
3
No. days worked since last 3 INJURIES
RIDDOR injury (11/2/12) THIS
WEEK
3 Hand Injuries in a Week !
6th Feb Back of hand cut with knife – stitches required (Medical
Treatment)
7th Feb Hand trapped between crane hook and steelwork –
significant bruising (First Aid)
11th Feb Hand struck by log being moved – end of finger
amputated (Reportable to the HSE)
Last week was the worst safety performance by Sembcorp staff and
contractors for many years.
As the enquiries are still ongoing it would be wrong to speculate on the
exact circumstances leading to these injuries, but what they all have in
common at this stage is that individuals appear to have put their own
hands in the Line of Fire. Line of Fire incidents have 2 causes ….
1. Unexpected release of energy i.e. knife slips/crane hook swings/log
springs
2. A body part is in the way
Keep your hands (and the rest of you) safe …….. You must :-
1. Read and review the Risk Assessment for your task first
2. Think before you act – consider the consequences
3. Use the right tool for your job if one is needed, and use it in the
correct way – I.E. cut away from yourself if a knife is the right tool
for the job – or use a push stick to keep your hand out of the line of
fire
4. Use protection devices correctly when they are provided for your
safety
5. Use Personal Protective Equipment or Clothing correctly if it is
needed and provided for your safety