KARINA G - Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: KARINA G
GAMA reference: 2013-009
Data da ocorrência acidental: 24-01-2013
Circulated on: 14-10-2013
Published on: 15-11-2013
Summary
On 24 January 2013, during the discharge of bundles of eucalyptus logs in the port of Figueira da Foz, a stevedore was moving backwards across the cargo towards a safe position. The surface was uneven, wet and slippery. The worker lost his footing, struck the logs and fell several metres into a space between the cargo and the bulwark. He sustained a serious lower back injury and prolonged temporary incapacity.
Safety recommendations
SR01-2013/009, to Fozpor:
Assess raising workers&rsquo awareness of the risks of moving over irregularslippery plant-based cargoes inside ship holds. SR02-2013/009, à Fozpor: Assess providing footweartraction adapters that ensure adequate grip for such surfaces.
Lessons learned
Risk assessment should be specific to each vessel, cargo type and environmental condition. Wet timber logs create an uneven and low-friction surface. Standard anti-slip footwear may be inadequate, and appropriate traction solutions should be used. Moving backwards reduces awareness of footholds and gaps between logs. The unloading sequence should minimise exposure to uneven surfaces and changing levels. Safety supervision should be systematic and continuous rather than merely periodic.