As Australia’s Maritime Union reported, a crucial safety incident took place at DP World’s Port Botany container terminal, in Australia. The wire ropes of the crane used to load and unload shipping containers slipped; Yet, there were no injuries.
Specifically, the first outcome of the investigation is that a contractor from Melbourne was deployed to change the wire ropes, but failed to be in line with the appropriate procedures. This resulted to clamps being installed upside down, a torque wrench not being applied, and endurance testing not being undertaken.
The crane remains out of action following the incident, almost two weeks since the outsourced maintenance commenced.
According to MUA, DP World management insisted it needed to outsource the wire rope replacement due to industrial action, despite members of the Maritime Union of Australia nominating a maintenance crew that would not take part in planned strike action and instead undertake the work.
The incident spiked strikes, which are taking place at Fremantle Terminal, Port Botany Terminal, Brisbane Terminal and Melbourne Terminal in an effort to protect their jobs from outsourcing and automation.
MUA Sydney Branch Secretary Paul McAleer commented that the dramatic slipping of wire ropes on the crane could easily have resulted in a catastrophic accident.
These massive cranes carry huge loads, so any failure can have catastrophic consequences.
In the meantime, MUA Assistant National Secretary, Warren Smith, added that the incident highlights the fear of workers who have been campaigning against automation of jobs at the Dubai-based stevedore’s container terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle.
This incident, which put the health and safety of workers at risk, highlights exactly why workers fear moves by DP World to contract out work, which will result in corners being cut as the drive to save a dollar is put ahead of safety and all other considerations.