INCIDENT OVERVIEW
A member has reported two separate near-miss events, both underscoring how critical safe positioning is during deck operations. In both cases, personnel placed themselves in hazardous locations, either to gain better visibility or to speed up a task leading to unnecessary risk during berthing and lifting activities.
POSITIVE OUTCOMES
- Unsafe behaviours were identified early, allowing intervention before any injury occurred.
- Crew were engaged and actively supporting operations, even if situational awareness was lacking.
- The reports provide strong learning opportunities to share across vessels, ports and wider teams.
ISSUES IDENTIFIED
1) Berthing Operation – Unsafe Positioning
- Limited visibility aft led an AB to move to the deck edge to observe distance to the jetty while the vessel was still closing in.
- No barrier or defined safe zone prevented access to the edge during vessel movement.
- The AB may not have fully recognised the risk of falling between the vessel and the quay.
2) Lifting Operation – Contact with Suspended Load
- Rigging crew and a vessel crew member manually pushed a suspended load to guide it to its landing point.
- The lifting area was cluttered with restricted escape routes and no clear deck policy.
- Safe hands-free tools were available onboard but not used.
- Personnel believed getting close to the load was the fastest method, failing to appreciate the load’s swing potential or sudden movements.
ROOT CAUSES
- Risk perception gaps: Personnel prioritised task completion over maintaining safe positioning.
- Lack of defined safe zones: No controlled spaces, barriers or clear deck requirements.
- Insufficient direction: Limited supervision and communication during berthing and lifting operations.
- Normalisation of shortcuts: Assumptions that quick manual intervention would help progress the job.
KEY TAKEAWAYS AND ACTIONS
- Maintain safe positioning: Do not stand at deck edges during vessel movement or within impact zones of suspended loads.
- Use hands-free tools: These must be used for all lifting activities.
- Apply a Clear Deck Policy: Keep lifting areas unobstructed with clear escape routes.
- Improve visibility safely: Strengthen lookout roles, communication, or use available technology instead of stepping into unsafe zones.
- Use Stop Work Authority: Stop the job if conditions are unsafe.
- Enhance supervision: Clear leadership helps prevent unnecessary risk-taking.
Note: The original version of this Safety Flash is available from the IMCA website.
