Common Accidents Resulting from Human Element Onboard

The working environment onboard ships are not considered to be the safest, every crew member and company should therefore keep that in mind. Even though several precautions are taken for various circumstances, incidents still occur due to human error. 

Various conventions have introduced codes and regulations to ensure the safety and security of seafarers on board ships. However, there are still various life-threatening incidents happening all around the world on board ships and it is therefore important for every seafarer to have knowledge of these common risks and understand how to avoid them. These most common life-threatening situations include but are not limited to:

• Mooring Operation Accidents.
• Man Overboard Accidents.
• Enclosed Space Entry Accidents.
• Machinery Explosions Accidents.
• Lifeboat Accidents.
• Working Aloft Accidents.
• Hot Work Accidents.

Mooring Operations

Mooring is one of the most common operations carried out onboard depending on the type of ship. With that said, it is still considered to be one of the most dangerous operations, resulting in various injuries ranging from slight injuries to even death. Several ship officers and crew members have lost their lives every year because of accidents related to such operations, therefore the proper knowledge of the hazards during mooring is paramount. 

Man Overboard

Man overboard occurs when a crew member or person falls from a ship into the sea due to an accident or whilst working. Unfortunately, although every seafarer is properly trained and made aware of this risk, it is still happening simply due to human error. When a seafarer becomes complacent about certain procedures these accidents tend to occur. Man overboard will always be regarded as dangerous, especially in situations such as:

• Bad weather and heavy seas.
• Intoxicated crew member.
• Extreme cold temperatures.

Enclosed Space Entry

Enclosed space entry accounts for most of the casualties and incidents happening onboard even though various training onboard, and ashore is provided for the seafarers. Such accidents occur when a person enters a space that is not safe for entry, therefore having gasses and vapours inside which do not support human life. An enclosed space entry procedure is found onboard every ship highlighting step by step the actions to be taken. Still many lives are lost to this day due to a feeling of security gained from carrying out such operations often which in return makes the seafarer unaware of the potential danger.

Machinery Explosion 

Improper maintenance of machinery and systems found onboard, might sometimes result in major blasts or explosions, destroying not only the ship’s property but also taking lives.  Accidents including crankcase explosions and compressor blasts, have caused serious injuries and even fatalities, hence the importance of a proper safety culture and proper maintenance system onboard.  

Working Aloft

Working Aloft or working at heights, is another procedure that is usually required to be carried out onboard ships for various reasons such as maintenance. Safety Harnesses and other tools are provided to the crew members onboard to ensure that the job is conducted safely. Unfortunately, accidents do still happen either due to the failure of safety equipment or due to negligence. 

Lifeboat Accidents

The testing of lifeboats during drills is a required procedure by SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea). These lifeboat tests, however, have on various occasions resulted in the loss of life. New regulations have been put in place to ensure utmost safety whilst handling lifeboats but accidents ranging from injuries to deaths still occur due to the human factor. 

Hot Work Accidents

Hot work is another job that is carried out routinely onboard. When a crew member is carrying out such work in spaces that contain flammable glasses or places adjacent to tanks containing flammable cargo, an accident may occur.  For these reasons, there is a system or risk assessment and permit to work onboard which ensures that the hazards are identified before the work being undertaken and precautions are put into place to mitigate such risks. 

Accidents onboard may occur due to various reasons, but it is important to note, that human error is the main factor for the occurrence of incidents, accidents and near misses.