31 Jul 2019
Ref No: 310719 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Worker fell off tug boat and into river // Worker fell off cargo container
On 5 July 2019 around 1.40pm, a worker was retrieving a mooring rope on-board a tug boat when he fell overboard. He was rescued by the crew on-board the tug boat and was conveyed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
Employers, contractors and providers of boat services are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect all workers from falling into the water while working on boats or near a body of water. The Risk Assessment must cover the possibility of falling into the water while working on a boat and when moving from shore-to-boat or boat-to-shore, and when moving between boats. Examples of risk controls include installation of guard railing to protect workers from falling overboard and removal of tripping hazards on the deck of the boat (e.g. due to the placement of mooring ropes). Workers with the ability to swim should also be deployed for such work and equipped with a life vest when carrying out work. Workers who are unfamiliar with the work activity or the operating environment should be placed under supervision until they are fully aware of the site-specific risks and are competent in performing their assigned task.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
23 Jul 2019. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please also note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided are not to be construed as implying liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION: WORKER FELL OFF CARGO CONTAINER
On 8 July 2019 around 12pm, a worker was tasked to shift cartons of empty plastic bottles within a cargo container on a trailer in preparation for unloading by a forklift. While shifting the cartons, the worker fell backwards over the edge of the cargo container and landed on the ground. The worker was conveyed to the hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
The industry is reminded to conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment for all works related to loading and unloading of goods from containers. It is important to ensure that the goods in the container are packed in a manner safe for unpacking (e.g. goods are stacked securely with no toppling risk). Remind workers who are required to work within an elevated container to adopt a safe working position away from the edge of the container at all times. Establish and implement a safe work method for shifting of goods within the container. Communicate all possible work hazards, corresponding risk controls and safe work method to each worker prior to work commencement.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
23 July 2019. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided is not to be construed as implying any liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.