Steamship Mutual P&I Club Risk Alert
Steamship Mutual P&I Club has issued Risk Alert regarding the dangers of falling from height when working in cargo holds.
There are many reasons why crew need to enter cargo holds. For instance, on general cargo ships it may be necessary to inspect the cargo lashings or test the hold bilges. However, on bulk carriers all residues from a previous cargo will need to be removed before the next loading and so in an empty hold the height from the hatch coaming to tank top can be large.
Vessel crews should remember that when working at height it may not be possible to give their full attention to the job they are doing and at the same time guard themselves against falling. This means that proper precautions should always be taken to ensure personal safety and so the Club recommends referring to the Code of Safe Working Practises for Merchant seamen (COSWP).
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This Risk Alert includes two case studies referring to such fatalities in which investigations showed that they should both have been avoidable.