In heavy weather, in the course of routine rounds in his watch, the 4/E noticed that steel plates stowed in a storage rack against a bulkhead were inadequately secured and were beginning to move. Without considering the hazards or informing the senior watchkeeping engineer (2/E), he decided to re-stow the plates and re-secure the rack unassisted. During this process, the vessel suddenly rolled heavily.
The plates toppled, trapping and crushing the 4/E's left leg. The 2/E, who was in the workshop at the time, heard the noise of the falling plates and a cry from the trapped 4/E. He immediately rushed to the location and sounded the emergency alarm. The Emergency Team assembled and rescued the 4/E, who was immediately given first aid. Due to the serious injury, and under radio medical advice, the vessel deviated to the nearest port, from where the injured crewmember was flown to Singapore in an air ambulance, for further medical treatment to his broken leg.
Root cause/contributory factors
1. Failure to inform other personnel of a hazardous situation and failure to seek assistance;
2. Lack of experience and awareness - the young 4/E did not understand the risks in attempting to re-stow and re-secure the steel plates unassisted;
3. Inadequate securing system using only a single retaining bar and hook arrangement;
4. Hazardous environmental condition (heavy weather).
Corrective/preventative actions
Fleet circular issued to all vessels instructing crewmembers to:
1. Discuss this accident at the next onboard safety committee meeting (incident also to be included in a forthcoming company seminar);
2. Conduct a proper risk assessment before engaging in any task;
3. Always inform head of department of any hazardous condition and never to attempt an unauthorized job or task or hazardous task alone;
4. Senior officers and ratings to share with others their personal experiences in order to enhance safety awareness onboard.
Editor's note: It would also be prudent to modify the design of the plate storage rack shown above, incorporating more positive restraining means such as stopper bars, screw fittings, wires/chains, wooden wedges and dunnage under the plates etc.
Source: Mars/Nautical Institute
