An Able Seaman died instantly after steel plates fell and struck him while on board Shaman Wisdom, said a safety investigation report by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.
What happened
On 5 June 2024, at 0800, the Bosun on board Shaman Wisdom instructed the ASD1 and ASD2 to select a suitable steel plate in the Forecastle Store to construct a step for one of the deck stairs. Both the ASD1 and ASD2 were wearing the standard PPE to work on deck, including a safety helmet, coveralls, and safety shoes.
Steel plates of different sizes and weights were vertically stowed against the bulkhead of the Forecastle Store. A retaining bar bolted onto two threaded rods kept the steel plates in position. The ASD2 was positioned at the entrance of the Forecastle Store, next to the steel plate storage location. The ASD1 was standing forward of the ASD2, in front of the steel plates. While the ASD2 was in the process of removing the nut from the threaded rod closest to the door, the retaining bar pushed the nut from the rod and some of the steel plates fell forward. The falling steel plates struck the ASD1 and subsequently pinned his head against steel plates which were resting against the opposite longitudinal bulkhead, resulting in severe head trauma. The ASD1 died instantly. The ASD1’s safety helmet was found lying next to him and was not damaged.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator’s marine safety investigation determined that the provisions for the stowage of steel plates on board Shaman Wisdom were insufficient to prevent the steel plates from falling when the nut securing the retaining bar was loosened. The potential risk of falling steel plates had not been assessed during the stowage of the plates or prior to removal of the retaining bar. This resulted in the ASD1 being positioned in the impact zone of the falling steel plates, as any measures to prevent them from falling were absent. The investigation further determined that the ASD1 was likely not properly using the chin strap to secure the safety helmet in place.
Lessons learned
The below lessons learned were identified:
- The location and design of storage racks for steel plates should eliminate the potential for steel plates to fall while being handled.
- Unsecured or partially unsecured objects have the potential to fall or move. Seafarers should maintain a safe position relative to the unsecured object.
- Safety helmets need to be properly fastened to prevent falling off during a fall or an abrupt movement.
Read the full report: RMI safety investigation report – Shaman Wisdom