Crew member fatality following a fall on board the bulk carrier Hanjin Sydney, at sea, on 2 February 2011

Abstract

On 2 February 2011, the boatswain (bosun) on board the Panamanian registered bulk carrier Hanjin Sydney died as a result of injuries he received after falling about 25 m from the hatch coaming of the ship's number eight cargo hold to the tank top below.

The bosun had climbed onto the top of the hatch coaming to free a cargo runner that had jammed in the head of a davit the crew were using to lift iron ore residue from the hold. He lost his balance while pulling on the wire to free it and fell into the empty cargo hold.

The ATSB investigation found that the crew had previous experience with the cargo runner jamming in the head of the davit. However, nothing had been done to prevent it from happening again.

As a result of the accident, Hanjin Ship Management have instigated the requirement for the ship's safety officer to be more proactive in toolbox meetings and safety 'walk arounds' to ensure that he is aware of issues which may not be automatically brought to his attention.

The ATSB is satisfied that this safety action adequately addresses the report's identified safety issue.