(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) On the morning of 22 February 2024, the Bahamas-flagged passenger vessel Silver Nova was on passage off the coast of Brazil. Work was carrying on as normal below decks in the waste handling area where incinerator operators were preparing for the transfer of ash to a holding area onboard ready for disposal ashore at their next port.
During the transfer, a wiper who was asked to assist in the loading of the ash bag into a cage lift, was severely injured when the cage lift, he accessed to free the ash bag which had wedged itself, gave way, trapping and crushing his leg and lower body.
Despite immediate medical assistance on board and medical care ashore at a local hospital, the wiper later died following complications from his injuries.
Why it happened
The cage lift got wedged when an ash bag shifted during hoisting as a result of horizontal bars not being in place that were fitted to prevent cargo from spilling out from under the gate during loading. The incinerator supervisor was unaware that the chain on the cage lift was slack when he isolated the power rendering it unsafe for access in any attempt to free the wedged ash bag. The wiper entered the cage to free the ash bag unaware of the potential risks.
What can we learn
Crew that are asked to assist in unfamiliar operations, should refrain until suitably trained and qualified, including work involving lifting appliances.
Personnel working with lifting appliances should be experienced in all aspects of operations including emergency preparedness, especially equipment installed with safety features which should not be bypassed as they are fitted to ensure areas are made safe to prevent harm or severe injuries from occurring.
When systems are being installed on ship’s, consideration must be given to ergonomics of design, adapting the workplace to the worker by designing tasks, workstations, tools, and equipment that are within the worker's physical capabilities and limitations
For more information, click below to download the full investigation report:
Source: BMA
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