TOMMI RITSCHER - Very Serious Maritime casualty
Vessel: TOMMI RITSCHER
GAMA reference: 2018-106
Data da ocorrência acidental: 30-05-2018
Published on: 11-03-2019
Casualty Event: Loss of control (total or partial) of machine, means of transport or handling equipment, handheld tool, object, animal - Loss of control (total or partial) - of hand-held tool (motorised or not) or of the material being worked by the tool
Summary
On 30 May 2018, TOMMI RITSCHER was berthed at Tema Container Terminal, Ghana, when the ship’s electrician went to replace a defective light on the engine-room crane. The electrician entered the space between the crane and a structural beam while carrying the crane’s wireless remote control in a pocket with its main switch activated. The crane moved unexpectedly and trapped the electrician between the crane and the beam. The engine-room crew released the electrician and began resuscitation, but the electrician later died from the injuries sustained.
Safety recommendations
No additional safety recommendations were issued following assessment of the actions implemented by the ISM Company.
Lessons learned
Crane remote controls should be switched off and secured against inadvertent activation before entering a hazardous area or placing the control in a pocket. Maintenance within the movement range of machinery should be planned, communicated and carried out with appropriate isolation, warning signs, assistance and supervision.
Actions Taken
The ISM Company issued fleet-wide safety information requiring personnel to identify hazards in their working area, switch off crane remote controls before placing them in a pocket and display a “Do Not Switch On, Man at Work” warning sign while maintenance is in progress.