LTI: Stored energy – rigger injured leg working on quayside

A rigger sustained a significant injury to his lower left leg while working on the quayside during lifting operations. The incident occurred during the hours of darkness, when a third-party rigger was disconnecting lifts from the work vessel during demobilisation. 

The picture shows the quayside prior to the incident. The white arrow shows the rigger in full hi-viz clothing.  The yellow line shows the route taken by him from aft of the vessel, with the red star indicating the location of the incident. The yellow arrow denotes the location where he awaited medical attention.

Causal factors identified

• A known risky technique (this method for moving slings with a forklift) had been accepted as the norm;
• There was no port induction for vessels coming into port, explaining quayside safety requirements including hi-viz and safe walkways;
• Containers removed from the vessel blocked the safe walkway;
• The forklift driver had to take a route which gave restricted visibility of personnel;
• The rigger had removed his hi-viz jacket further reducing his visibility;
• There was reduced lighting on the quayside;
• There were simultaneous activities occuring in the area which were not properly controlled.

Our member notes that mobs and demobs often pose the most risk on a project and it is vitally important that we take all precautions necessary to protect anyone from injury during these activities.

Remain aware of what is going on around you and don’t be afraid to stop the job when required.

Members may wish to refer to:

• IMCA M 203 Guidance on simultaneous operations (SIMOPS)
• IMCA HSSE 032 Guidance on safety in shipyards
• Release of stored energy from coiled superloops  
• Serious injury incurred while removing wire rope sling from a crane hook