201423 Steel plates slam seaman

Edited from official BSU (German Maritime Safety Board) report 179/12

Two deckhands were detailed to replace the torn tarpaulin covering some steel plates, which were stored upright on the poop deck. The 20 plates measured approximately 1.4m x 1.2m with a thickness of 5-10mm, and weighed about 1000kg in all. In order to undertake this task the deckhands released the single lashing strap that held the plates in place so as to free the tarpaulin. Upon release of the lashing strap several plates began to topple over, falling on top of one of the attending deckhands.

It required several crew to free the trapped victim and first aid was immediately administered after which he was transported to hospital. He was later diagnosed with chest contusions and a fractured leg.

 

 

Report findings
> Improper vertical storage and securing of steel plates, especially with only one securing strap and no wooden or other deck underlays to increase friction, unnecessarily increased risk.

Editor’s note: The BSU report also noted a similar accident just a few months earlier where the crewman was fatally injured due to falling plates that were vertically stored. Beyond the specific findings of this report it is important to realise the insidious nature of certain seemingly innocuous conditions. How dangerous can a few plates be? We tend to view such conditions as ‘normal’ – but there are hidden risks if only we had stopped and thought about it for a minute. Such hazards probably exist on your vessel. Go around once again with new eyes and renewed interest to try and spot the risks before any negative consequences occur. Readers are encouraged to report back to the MARS editor with descriptions and photos of what they find and any corrective actiontaken.