Worker Died After Falling Through Viewing Platform on Board Ship

Received by e-mail from WSH Council, dated 4 April 2012.

Recently, a worker was killed when he fell from a viewing platform on board a ship undergoing repair work. At the time of accident, he was tasked to oversee the movement of the ship from the dock. When he was walking on the viewing platform that was made of metal gratings, a section of the gratings gave way. He fell through the opening and landed on the deck about 7.8m below.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the bracket supporting the grating was corroded and gave way under his weight causing him to fall.

Schematic view of the scene of the accident

Recommendations*:

Industry stakeholders undertaking similar work activities are advised to consider the following to prevent a recurrence:

1. Conduct proper checks on all sections of the ship where workers are required to work safely;

2. Ensure safety inspections are carried out on the ship’s access and work platforms, railings, ladders and walkways, etc to ensure there are no corrosion or rusted parts before any work activities are allowed to be carried out;

3. Repair or replace corroded parts of the access and work platforms, railings, ladders and walkways, etc before allowing workers to access these areas;

4. Cordon off all unsafe work areas and put up “Danger - No Entry” signs;

5. Put up suitable safety signages at the work location to remind workers of the job hazards;

6. Supervise all work activities to ensure safe work practices are adhered to onsite.

For more information on Workplace Safety and Health, please refer to the following links below:

• Workplace Safety and Health Act (Chapter 354A), please click HERE
• Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations, please click HERE
• Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, please click HERE

* Please note that the information provided is not exhaustive and is for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information provided is not to be construed as implying any liability to any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations of the reader of WSH Alert under the law.