Fall from height on ro-ro freight vessel Seatruck Pace with loss of 1 life
Location: Brocklebank Dock, Liverpool, England.
Accident Investigation Report 9/2019
Investigation report into marine accident including what happened and safety lessons learned:
Summary
A crewman from the Cyprus registered ro-ro freight vessel Seatruck Pace died as a result of 4.5 metres fall through a vehicle ramp hatch. The crewman was working alone and preparing to paint the leading edge of the open ramp hatch cover. For reasons that could not be determined, the crewman crossed a temporary safety barrier guarding the edge of the open hatch and walked along a narrow deck edge between the ships side and the open hatch on which several trailer trestles were stowed.
The crewman’s fall was not witnessed but it is evident that he had fallen at or about the same time as one of the trestles. He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. He died three days later.
Safety issues
- the crewman crossed a safety barrier protecting an open hatch
- the risk of falling was accepted having probably taken similar risks in the past
- work practices indicated that adherence to the vessel’s safety procedures was based on routine rather than of understanding and conviction
Recommendations
In view of actions taken by the ship’s manager, no recommendations have been made.