Maritime Safety Concerns Highlighted in Video

Posted in Jones Act,Maritime Accidents on September 3, 2013

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) recently released a video highlighting ongoing safety concerns for maritime workers. The video features the accident of a crew member on board a ship who was tragically killed by an explosion while cutting a used 200 litre drum with an angle grinder.

Recipe for disaster: Using an abrasive cutting wheel on a metal container with flammable vapor.

Recipe for disaster: Using an abrasive cutting wheel on a metal container with flammable vapor.

According to ATSB Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan, the ATSB has investigated several accidents involving unsafe work practices in the maritime industry.

“We continue to investigate maritime accidents that result in serious injury or death following falls from height, crushing and exploding equipment,” Mr Dolan said.

“These accidents could’ve been avoided if the workers had just given some time to think about the risks involved before they started the task.

“The video provides a powerful reminder to all workers of the need to take risk seriously and to make sure the risk is appropriately managed.”

For more top transport safety priorities, visit ATSB’s SafetyWatch web page.


Published by maritime lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP