- Unsafe boarding leads to a contractor falling overboard.
- Lack of safe access causes a near-drowning incident on the vessel.
- Investigation finds missing safe access led to contractor accident.
A contractor who was aboard a vessel slipped into the water during disembarkation as a result of a gap between the wharf and the vessel. There was no safe access at the time, reports AMSA.
What Happened
The contractor had been finishing work on the ship tied up against the wharf and was about to leave in possession of a heavy tool bag. There was one metre of space between the ship and the wharf, but no safe means of access equipment, for example, a gangway or bridge, was available.
As the contractor was leaning over the side of the boat to set the tool bag on the wharf, the contractor’s arm got caught up in the straps of the tool bag. The toolbox fell off the wharf, and the contractor was pulled over the side into the water. The contractor was able to free their arm, surfaced, swam to the back of the boat, and climbed on board without harm.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found that the vessel operator was not providing a safe access to board and disembark at the time.
Safety Message
This case illustrates how a lack of safe access can rapidly turn into an immediate life risk. The danger is greatly enhanced where people carry a heavy or unwieldy load, as it could result in entrapment or falling. There is also the risk of hitting one’s head or arm between the vessel and wharf upon falling into the water.
Regulatory Responsibilities
Under National Law, the responsibility to make all persons on board safe falls on vessel owners and masters. Workplace health and safety legislation also demands that risks associated with falls, like boarding and disembarking ones need to be addressed.
Recommendations
Safe access must be duly risk assessed and integrated into the vessel’s safety management system. There should be clear procedures to avoid falls and ensure safe boarding and disembarking practices.
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Source: AMSA
