Safety Flash
Death of seafarer due to fall from crane cabin
Death of seafarer due to fall from crane cabin
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 07/26
- CorrosionInspection and MaintenanceWorking at Height
- CorrosionFalls from heightStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenanceWorking at height
- Crane
- Fall preventionRisk assessmentSafety communication
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A seafarer cleaning a cargo crane cabin on an anchored vessel fell 12 m to the deck and died. The investigation identified probable window seal failure following removal of protective grating. Possible corrosion and glass weakening are discussed, alongside lessons on barrier integrity, structural inspection, routine-task risk assessment and warning signage.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Falls from height; fall from height.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Working at height; work at height.
Classifications: Crane; cranes.
Classifications: Fall prevention; edge protection; guardrails.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) of India published Circular 04-2025 relating to an incident in which a seafarer took a fatal fall from a crane cabin.
IMCA SF 07/26. Themes: corrosion, inspection and maintenance, working at height.