201138 Loose grating causes fall and injury

During coastal passage, the chief engineer inspected the lower side of the forward seal of the stern tube as part of his rounds. He then turned around and proceeded forward towards the ladder leading up to the bottom plates. He stepped on a flat-bar and rod grating section forming part of the walkway along and underneath the tail-end shaft. The grating section was too small for the bilge well that it covered, and fell down into the well. Thrown off-balance due to the fall, the engineer's right leg hit the exposed sharp edge of the bilge well with great force, inflicting a serious gash wound extending almost the full length of his shin bone. After being rescued and given first aid, he was medevacced by helicopter to receive medical treatment on shore.

Root cause
Mismatch in dimensions of grating section and bilge well opening resulting in grating being insufficiently supported by the edges of the bilge well;
No lock bolts fitted on the grating;
Due to the location's low lighting levels and difficult access, the potential hazard could not be readily seen;
The location was not included in the unmanned operation route risk assessment check list as crewmembers rarely
go there.

Corrective/preventative actions
Fleet advised to thoroughly inspect all gratings, floor plates, their supports and locking devices for proper and secure fit.
Safely carry out necessary modifications to any similar deficiencies and/or deformed floor plate(s). For example, proper lock bolts or an angle bar support should be welded in place to prevent the fall of a grating or floor plate section. Alternatively, hinges should be welded on those sections that are frequently removed for inspection.
Post appropriate warnings and fence off the opening when any grating or floor plate is removed temporarily for access.