During the unloading of an aggregate carrier a deck hand approached the shore based crane driver within the prohibited working area to discuss the stowage plan.

Upon leaving the crane, the deck hand stood on a section of walkway grid on the quayside that had worked loose due to vibrations from the crane. The grid had moved forward and was unsupported on its rear edge so when the IP stood on the unsupported side of the walkway, it pivoted on the central supporting beam resulting in both the individual and the grid falling into the river.

The IP was found holding onto part of the jetty structure and was able to exit the water himself using a rope ladder that was deployed. The IP had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident and fortunately suffered no injuries.

Immediate Cause:

The IP stands on unsecure metal walkway grating that pivots, resulting in the person and grate falling into the water.

Underlying Causes:

• Lack of inspection and maintenance of walkway gratings
• Gratings overlapping with the path of the tracked excavator
• Absence of physically marked exclusion zone
• Control of sub contractors (ships crew).

Root Cause Determination:

• Unauthorised person in prohibited area (the action)
• Loose walkway grid (the condition).

Corrective actions:

• Enforce prohibitive area by including in new pre-discharge procedure and establishing physical demarcation.
• Only named, authorised personnel to be permitted in the prohibited area
• Fix walk way grids so they can’t vibrate loose
• Record inspections of walkways as part of pre-discharge procedure
• All personnel to wear life jackets
• Improved rescue equipment and man in water training for all staff.