Severe injuries following falling off a freight container

A serious accident occurred at a logistics centre during de-rigging activity. While a freight container was positioned on a trailer, a truck driver was on top, working at height to handle slings. The truck driver slipped and fell from the container leading to severe injury.

This type of container, mobilised for this company, was pre rigged with steel slings to allow hooking and unhooking at deck level. This eliminates the need for personnel to access the top of the container. The preparation of these containers is carried out at the logistics yards and involves rigging and de rigging activities. Prior to the incident, a truck driver climbed to the top of a container that was positioned on a truck to de-rig / handle a set of four legged slings which were connected to the container. While doing this the driver lost balance and fell from approximately 4.5 meters to the ground, resulting in severe injuries to the legs, back, and head. 

Pre-rigged offshore container	“Stinis” frame to lift container

The investigation highlighted the need for clear instructions and strict controls: if, when and how containers may be pre-rigged for the purpose of offshore lifting.

• The top of the container was accessed by the truck driver without using Personal Fall Restraint Harness or other means for safe access.
• There were no active instructions in place anymore for both internal and external use on how to handle rigging for containers.
• No one nearby challenged these unsafe “normal work” practices.