Unguarded Net Drum Winch
 Unguarded Winch |
 Guarded Winch |
Hazard Summary
In the Spring of 1998, an unguarded net drum winch on a fishing trawler caught the hand and arm of a fisherman/deckhand, almost severing his arm off. The net drum winch and cable winches aboard the fishing trawler involved have since been fitted with guards.
Preventive Measures
As per the Industrial Regulations Part 10, Section 117: "Every employer shall ensure that every prime mover, machine, transmission machinery, device, place, matter, or thing, or part or parts thereof, that is dangerous to the safety of any person in the industrial establishment is safely fenced or guarded unless (a) its position, construction or attachment assures the same protection as if it were safely fenced or guarded; or (b) it is provided with a safety device that automatically prevents a person operating it from coming into contact with any dangerous part."
- Guards must meet the necessary specifications of manufacturer and regulatory bodies.
- Future purchase of winches from manufacturers should include specifications for guards.
For more information, see the press release on this hazard.