On the evening of July 9, 2022, a vessel berthed at Salerno, Italy, for cargo operations. During the loading of the first semi-trailer on deck 3, a crew member acting as a signal person was positioned near the back of the semi-trailer, while another crew member was on the side, ready to secure it once in place. At one point, the signal person instructed the driver to stop, but the semi-trailer continued reversing, leading to the signal person being caught between the semi-trailer and a transverse frame of the vessel. This resulted in crushing injuries, and the crew member was transported to a local hospital for treatment, reports MISU.
Key conclusions from the investigation
- The crew member was stationed behind the semi-trailer and was caught between it and the vessel’s frame.
- Loud noises from ventilator fans and moving wheeled cargo on deck may have prevented the driver from hearing the stop signal.
- Close monitoring of the semi-trailer’s maneuvering required the crew member to be positioned in the driver’s blind spot.
- The crew member had space to escape but did not anticipate the continued movement of the semi-trailer, leaving him without enough time to react.
As a safety action, the company issued a fleet-wide circular highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance from semi-trailers, ensuring continuous visual contact with the driver, and utilizing rear-view mirrors.
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Source: MISU
