OSHA


Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Ship

Process: Rigging

U.S. Department of Labor


Hazard: Falls

CASE HISTORY

Falls Falls

A rigger was using a tag line to help position a large piece of ship's equipment. His working surface was a grating level next to an open cargo area. When the primary rigging gear broke loose, it caught the rigger's foot, causing him to lose his balance. He fell into the water-filled cargo area (tanks) and drowned.







Falls Falls Falls

Analysis and Preventive Measures

Workers must be provided with fall protection such as catwalk guardrails or a fall arrest system.

The cause of the accident was a rigging failure; the line was improperly attached to the hook. However this accident became a fatality because the rigger was not tied off properly. Fall protection would have prevented his death.


Hooks should be equipped with a safety latch or moused.



Always ensure the load is properly rigged.

Personal flotation devices should be worn by workers exposed to falls into water.

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