Maritime Accidents: Rigging

Of the many possibilities that exist for a maritime accident to occur, those on a rigging vessel are exceptionally susceptible; surrounded by large cranes and derricks and the constant loading and unloading of cargo, casualties are not always avoidable. According to Williams Kherkher, although great strides have been taken to make this industry safer for the men and women who work aboard seafaring vessels, these workers are still at a higher risk of sustaining a workplace injury than many others. Unfortunately, a large proportion of these incidents are caused by nothing more than a lack of attention or proper precaution and care, and are in the end completely preventable. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), rigging hazards are prominent for all in this profession. Potential threats to safety include:

 

• Uneven surfaces, unprotected holes, bulkhead openings, and unprotected sides (all due to lack of thorough inspection prior to submitting employees to the workplace)
• Improperly secured gear, resulting in potential to be struck by loose swinging cables or crushed by heavy items
• Electrical hazards while using faulty energized lines to hoist loads and equipment- cables become worn upon consistent contact with saltwater and weather

All of the threats listed above are all completely attributable to employers and companies lack of thorough and consistent inspection processes and disregarded maintenance of materials and equipment, for which the consequences can be highly dangerous, if not deadly.