Mars Report – Lessons learned
The Nautical Institute has issued Mars Report to highlight how important is to think safe to protect yourself. The report focuses on a fatal fall overboard when moving the hatch covers forward on a general cargo vessel. The victim climbed the vessel’s heavy lift spreader that was in the way but his work boots were worn and he was not wearing a safety harness, life vest or helmet.
The Incident
After unloading containers from a general cargo vessel, crewprepared the decks and holds for a new cargo. One task was to movethe hatch covers forward; a crew member operated the ships crane tomove the hatch while two other crew guided the hatch with securinglines on each side.
The crew member guiding the hatch on the starboardside was blocked by the vessels heavy lift spreader stored on deck, sohe had to climb the spreader in order to continue his pace forward. Atsome point while on the spreader he lost his balance and fell overboardbetween the ship and the dock. An officer nearby heard the splash andrushed to the scene. With the help of other crew, the officer was able torecover the fallen crew onto the quay but the victim was unconscious.The victim was taken to hospital but died of his injuries later that day.
It is not known how the crew member lost his balance, but after theaccident it was found that his shoes and coveralls were in very poorcondition. At the time of the accident the victim was not wearing asafety harness, life vest or helmet.
Lessons learned
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Source & Image Credit :Mars Reports/ The Nautical Institute
