The Bahamas Maritime Authority issued a new Safety Alert to inform and share lessons learned on a hand injury of a crewman attempting to secure a crane’s auxiliary block. The Authority concluded that the planning for the work activity was inappropriate and the risks were not appropriately identified.
The incident
On a Bahamas registered pipe laying vessel, the auxiliary block of the main crane was being moved to a location on the deck, where it could be handled for rigging purposes.
The team decided to secure the auxiliary block to the ship’s handrail. The auxiliary block was placed at a position above the deck, before being lowered and slewed to touch the handrail.
Once the auxiliary block appeared to be steady, a Rigger reached to the block to secure it to the hand railing with a polypropylene rope before a clear signal was given by Banksman.
The Rigger placed his hand between the handrail and auxiliary block to move the rope.
At this moment, the auxiliary block moved towards the railing. The Rigger’s hand was trapped between the handrail and the auxiliary block.
The vessel subsequently rolled releasing the Rigger’s hand.
Probable causes
- The planning for the work activity was inappropriate. The Rigger attempted to secure the auxiliary block before a clear signal was given by the Banksman as the auxiliary block was not sufficiently stabilised.
- The hazards and risks associated with the work activity involving securing of the auxiliary block were not identified appropriately. The Rigger placed his hand between the auxiliary block and handrail, without realizing the risk involved.
- The Banksman did not stop or call back the Rigger when he approached the auxiliary block prior to a clear signal.
Recommendations
- It is recommended to conduct an effective risk assessment and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate the risks before commencing any high-risk work activity.
- The work activity should be planned and discussed with all team members to ensure that all team members have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities.
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