MSF: Multiple LTIs - Vessel gangway fell from quay causing injuries

Four of the injuries were recorded as “over-seven-day injuries”, while one was classified as minor. Movement of the vessel on a tidal berth resulted in the vessel’s gangway resting partially over the quayside ladder void. As the five workers were ascending the gangway, the gangway moved from the quay wall, swinging back to the side of the vessel and dropping approximately 2-3 metres below the quay wall (images below). Consequently, the five workers fell, one of them, at the bottom of the gangway falling into the water, another being caught in the gangway netting and the other three falling onto the gangway itself. The worker in the water was recovered via the quayside ladder, first aiders attended the scene, three of the crew were sent to hospital and two sent home. There were subsequent discussions between port officials and the Chief Mate about the vessel and its crew.

·       Tidal movement of the vessel caused the gangway to move position, and the gangway roller encroached on the ladder void, causing it to be less stable.

·       Vessel gangway procedure requiring supervision at all times, was not followed. At the time of incident, the gangway hoist wires were slack enough to for the gangway to drop approximately three metres.

·       Markings on the quayside, around the ladder were faded and of insufficient colour and size to raise awareness of potential quayside hazard.

·       The injured person was not wearing his chinstrap when going up the gangway resulting in him losing his helmet during the fall into the water, where he narrowly missed striking the quayside fender.

·       A large painted sign showing the maximum load of the gangway was faded.

·       There was no life buoy present at the lower part of the gangway supplied by the vessel as per local regulations.

The MSF made the following suggestions:

·       Position vessel gangways away from ladder voids.

·       Review operations to ensure that written procedures are followed in practice.

·       All employees must wear PPE correctly.

·       All signs on the vessel and on the gangway should be clear in providing information regarding maximum load, capacity and potential hazards.

·       Carry out pre-work gangway and vessel checks before work starts and at suitable intervals throughout.

·       Encourage the use of stop work authorities if unsafe situations are observed.

·       Review markings for quayside hazards such as ladder voids to ensure they are suitable.