Which injuries are most frequent in water operations?

• A. Chemical burns
• B. Strains and Sprains
• C. Fractures
• D. Puncture wounds

Answer: (B)

Soft-tissue injuries from slips, trips, and overexertion are the most frequent in water operations. Tasks on wet decks, handling lines, and making rapid, awkward movements to respond to situations put repeated stress on muscles and ligaments, leading to strains in the back, shoulders, or legs and to sprains in ankles or wrists. Chemical burns are more about exposure to hazardous substances and aren’t typically the everyday result of routine water work. Fractures require a high-energy impact, which is less common in normal operations, and puncture wounds come from sharp objects and aren’t as frequent as soft-tissue injuries. Wearing non-slip footwear, using proper lifting techniques, and keeping decks clear help reduce these common injuries.