In its latest part of the “Good Catch” series, the American Club provides lessons learned after a mariner fell on top of a modularized unit, suffering injuries.
The incident
Two mariners were assisting in properly securing cargo that had been loaded on the vessel. The cargo consisted of a series of modularized industrial units.
The mariners were standing on top of one of the units in the cargo hold. They were approximately 10 feet (3 meters) above a cargo hold tank top.
They were not wearing safety harnesses and there had not been a safety meeting prior to the start of the work.
While working, one of the mariners accidentally tripped and fell off the top of a modularized unit.
The mariner broke his right leg and his right wrist when he landed. He required surgery for both broken bones, was hospitalized for 2 weeks and was unable to work for 4 months.
Lessons learned
- Who should have recognized that there was a safety risk related to a fall from a height?
- Is this a situation where “stop work” authority could have been used?
- What are the permit requirements on your vessel when someone will be working aloft or working at a height above the deck?
- What are your vessel’s safety requirements for working aloft or working at a height?
