StayLive actively promotes the sharing of information as soon as possible after near miss or actual safety incidents to inform members about hazards arising out of their operations.
Puncture Wound from Farm Gate
Date of Incident: 21 July 2017
Description:
A contractor completed thermal imaging at a wind turbine. While driving to the next turbine, the contractor had to open a double farm gate to pass through. While closing one half of the double gate, the other half started to swing in the strong wind. The contractor put out his other hand to stop the gate from opening and a protruding piece of #8 wire pierced the palm of his hand. The initial pain was short-lived and the puncture wound appeared minor.
By the time the work party returned to their depot, the hand injury began to swell and movement to the finger was limited. The injured party was taken to the local hospital and referred to a plastic surgeon who performed surgery on the hand. A hematoma was found which was putting pressure on tendons.
Original Safety Alert
