UKRAINETS - Acidente Marítimo Muito Grave
Vessel: UKRAINETS
GAMA reference: 2014-292
Data da ocorrência acidental: 26-12-2014
Circulated on: 25-06-2015
Published on: 28-05-2015
Casualty Event: Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons - Fall of person - to a lower level
Summary
On 26 December 2014, UKRAINETS was berthed port side alongside at the Beato Multipurpose Terminal in Lisbon, discharging a bulk cargo of linseed. Cargo spaces Nos. 1 and 3 had been discharged and closed, while discharge from cargo space No. 2 was suspended between 2000 and 2100 for the stevedores’ meal break. At the end of the break, the stevedoring foreman boarded alone to assess whether the remaining cargo in cargo space No. 2 was sufficiently low for a skid-steer loader to be placed inside. Because the hatch coaming restricted the view, the foreman climbed onto the coaming and moved onto a transverse beam approximately one metre wide. At approximately 2105, the crane operator could no longer see the foreman and raised the alarm. The foreman was found at the bottom of the darkened cargo space No. 3, approximately nine metres below the hatch coaming. Emergency medical personnel subsequently declared the foreman decease
Safety recommendations
SR 292-2014.1: Assess carrying out, as soon as practicable, a study of terminal-quay lighting and implementing structural and procedural measures that ensure effective illumination of shore working areas and the working areas aboard ships during night-time or restricted-visibility cargo operations. No response status is recorded in the report. SR 292-2014.2: Assess developing work rules and procedures that minimise or preferably eliminate risk-taking by port workers during cargo-handling operations aboard ships, and provide training and awareness concerning fall-from-height hazards. No response status is recorded in the report.
Lessons learned
Access to hatch coamings, transverse beams and other exposed elevated structures should be prohibited unless a safe system of work has been established. Adequate lighting should illuminate walking surfaces, openings and fall hazards before cargo operations resume at night. Work at height should use suitable fall-prevention or fall-arrest equipment, and hazardous inspections should not be performed alone. Fatigue and potential distractions should also be considered when planning and supervising port work.