The engineer stepped on a loose deck plate, causing his leg to slip down and him to strain his shoulder reaching for support. An investigation found the deck plate screws were the wrong threads and had been ground down to fit, leaving the plates barely attached. Refitting proper screws and welding supports were done to prevent future injuries from loose plates. Ships of the same build were advised to check for similar defects.

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Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 14-19
Issued: 5th
May 2014
Subject: Deck Plate Screws
Whilst approaching ME #2 to draw a routine oil sample, the second engineer stepped on the corner
of a deck plate, located between ME2 and Sewage plant. The deck plate gave way and lifted,
causing his leg to slip down and for him to reach awkwardly for support.
While reaching for support with his right arm, the engineer over extended and strained the muscles
from his shoulder to elbow. The Engineer suffered scrapes and bruises on his shin, from where it
had grazed down the deck plate.
The Injured party was assisted to his feet and checked for further injuries – none were found. A
cold compress was applied to the Engineer’s injured shoulder and anti-inflammatory tablets given.
Sterilizing ointment was applied to the shin and the Engineer was relieved to his cabin to rest.
On investigation it was found that;
 The deck plate screws which were fitted from new-build were the wrong threads, and had
been ground down to fit.
 The deck plates were literally “holding on by a thread”.
 The corner that was stepped on was not supported by a deck plate support beam or bar.
 The body weight of the Engineer was enough to cause the screws to pop and lift the plate.
Submitting Company Corrective Actions
Follow up action included refitting new proper deck screws and re-securing the existing deck plate
temporarily until permanent repair could be made at the next port. Permanent support was later
welded to provide full support for the deck plate.
Ships of the same build were advised of incident and requested to check for similar defects on their
vessels. A Safety Flash issued fleet wide.