Safety issue

Safety issue description

Bowen Tug and Barge had identified the need to spread the slings when lifting a stores container. However, there was no process in place to ensure that ships' crews were advised of this to ensure its safe return from the ship.

Issue number MO-2011-011-SI-05
Issue owner Bowen Tug and Barge
Transport function Shore operations
Date issue released 07/03/2013
Issue status justification

Using pallet cages eliminates the need to use slings and therefore the dangers inherent in using slings.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number MO-2011-011-NSA-012
Organisation Bowen Tug and Barge
Action date 07/03/2013
Action description The ATSB was advised that purpose built and engineered cage frames suitable for lifting pallets and containers of this design has been manufactured and is in use. This alteration in the method of handling removes the use of slings and provides for top lifting of the load therefore greatly reducing the possibility of an accident of this type occurring again. Further, Bowen Tug and Barge advised that as of 01 July 2012 the company was no longer in the business of loading and unloading of stores for ships and were selling all the associated equipment to another company.
ATSB response ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken will address this issue.
Action status Closed