Marine Accident Investigation Branch Safety Digest 3/2004  Case 8

It Only Takes One Slip Up to Cause a Fatal Accident

Narrative
A United Kingdom flagged feeder container vessel, built in 2003, had completed her routine passage from the UK to a number of continental ports to embark cargo. She arrived at the unloading berth in wet weather and a force 4 wind.

While preparing to lift the gangway, a defect was discovered on the ship's starboard crane. The daywork electrician, helped by the second engineer, had difficulty in determining the fault and, at 2400, the chief engineer assisted in the investigation. A faulty solenoid coil was eventually discovered and, at 0020, the chief engineer, followed by the electrician, proceeded to the crane.

It was raining and the decks were wet when the electrician, who was wearing safety shoes, helmet, overalls and gloves, went down an upperdeck ladder with his back to the treads. The ladder was in good condition, but as he reached the deck he slipped on the wet surface, hit the ladder railing and then fell onto his back, striking his head.

Although bleeding from his head wound, initially the casualty was conscious. However, a short while later, his breathing and pulse rate reduced and he became unconscious. The crew started resuscitation techniques and administered oxygen while the emergency services were called.

On arrival, the paramedics took over from the crew, but, despite their efforts, a doctor pronounced the casualty dead about an hour later.

The Lessons
1. When conducting risk assessments, due regard should be paid to the condition of ladders and to the immediate deck area, which may become slippery and dangerous when wet, especially in heavy seaways. Careful consideration should also be given to applying non-slip paint, or using other methods to improve the traction in these risk areas.

2. Although, ultimately, the crew were unable to save their badly injured colleague, the regular drills which had been conducted on board their vessel, helped them deal with the situation quickly and confidently. By administering first-aid to the electrician, they were able to stabilise him until the emergency services arrived.