A vessel was underway at sea and crew were undertaking normal maintenance. One person, assisted by another, was to replace a limit switch on the provisions crane. The limit switch was on the crane post approximately two metres above the deck.
The Nautical Institute gathers reports of maritime accidents and near-misses. It then publishes these so-called Mars (Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme) Reports (anonymously) to prevent other accidents from happening. This is one of these reports.
A ladder had to be used and the work was thus approximately 0.8 metres over the deck (that is, on the third step of the ladder) – which is still work at height. While one worker was away fetching tools, the other worker went up the ladder and tried to check something on the switches. While descending the ladder, he tripped and fell to the deck.
The crew were alerted and the victim was transferred to the bridge deck for treatment. The victim’s shoulder was dislocated and he was in pain. The next day, the victim was sent to a shore hospital and was repatriated several days later.
Also read: Work from height fatality on passenger ship
Advice from The Nautical Institute
- Working at height, but a low height, can be an insidious danger. It can be an accident waiting to happen if you let your guard down. Falling from a low height can still have serious consequences, as this report illustrates.
- Irrespective of height, ladders should be secured in place. For low heights, a safety attendant should be on deck behind the worker.
Also read: Fatal fall from crane grab
Mars Reports
This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 202447, that are part of Report Number 383. A selection of the Mars Reports are also published in the SWZ|Maritime magazine. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published (in full) on SWZ|Maritime’s website.
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form.
Also read: LOTO lapse causes fatal ship repair accident
