Hong Kong MARDEP shared lessons learned from a fatal electrical work accident onboard a bulk carrier while underway. The Third Engineer was electrocuted on the top of the engine room overhead crane beside the traveling motor when he was repairing the fault with the crane developed during its operation.
The incident
When the Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier was in the Indian Ocean en route to Brazil, the crew made use of the engine room overhead crane to lift spare parts and found the crane stuck at mid-way during lifting.
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The Third Engineer was assigned to repair the crane. Later, he was found lying unconsciously on the crane top beside the crane’s traveling motor.
Although the Third Engineer was provided with first aid treatment, he was declared dead onboard on the event day, according to the medical advice offered to the crew through radio.
Probable causes
The investigation highlighted poor safety awareness of the deceased crew member as the main contributory factor of the accident. The third engineer did not equip himself with sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety in handling electrical work and working aloft.
The investigation also identified other safety issues as follows:
- the “Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers” (the Code) and the Safety Management System of the vessel were not followed strictly by the crew;
- the Chief Engineer and the Second Engineer failed to provide supervision and safety instructions or guidance to the Third Engineer; and
- neither risk assessment nor a toolbox meeting were carried out before conducting the repair work.
Lessons learned
In order to avoid recurrence of similar accidents in the future, masters, officers, and crew of vessels should:
- strictly follow the Safety Management System and the Code for electrical work, working aloft, and work permit system; and
- isolate the power source and wear sufficient personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves, before carrying out the electrical work.
