The Marine Safety Forum has published new safety alert regarding a near miss incident during preparation to load anchor chain.
The incident:
During preparation to load anchor chain into the moon pool locker, one person almost fell into the chain locker. The hatch cover had been temporarily removed prior to the installation of the chain guide. The hatch had an opening of 155 x 85 cm. The depth of the locker was approximately 10 meters and there was 1 – 1.5 meters of water on the bottom. The person fell backwards, with the upper part of his body towards the opening of the hatch. He managed to turn slightly over to his right side and grab onto the edge around the hatch opening with both hands. His ankles and the lower part of his feet were also above the edge of the hatch opening. He managed to get his right elbow over the edge. He shouted for help twice before getting the attention of his colleagues.
The cause:
The near miss occurred due to several different factors:
• The hatch was left open without a barrier
• The opening of the hatch was not sufficiently communicated
• The work was not risk assessed and sufficiently planned, based on the risks involved
Actions Taken:
The hatch should not have been left open without a barrier
• The opening of the hatch should have been better and sufficiently communicated
• The work on deck should have been planned based on an assessment of the risks involved
Source & Image credit: Marine Safety Forum
