The Marine Safety Forum published a report, concerning an accident on board a Platform Supply Vessel, caused by a wire securing bar that trapped a seafarer, leading to his foot crush. The report aims to raise operators’ awareness on winches and rotating machinery safety measures.
The incident
A Platform Supply Vessel had completed loading operations and the deck crew were securing the cargo for sea with assistance from the tugger winch. The AB, who was operating the tugger winch, was well experienced and had carried out this operation many times. The AB stood at the tugger winch
with his right foot resting on the winch support plate and started heaving up the wire using the control handle, which was located above the winch.
As the winch barrel rotated, the wire securing bar trapped the AB’s foot between the winch support plate and the rotating barrel crushing his foot as it rotated.
Prevention Measures
Following the incident, a protective frame was built around the tugger winch, to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
The MSF highlights the following discussion points:
- Could this type of event occur on your vessel?
- Are your winches and rotating machinery suitably protected?
