Person trapped when net fell down
During the deployment of a net at a fish farm, the net fell over a person.
What happened?
Rope was used to lift the net. The knot on the rope came loose due to impregnation and poor friction. This caused the net to slip out, and the person got trapped between the bulwark and the net.
A hollow space at the starboard side provided a small area for the person to stand.
The person was bruised and had chest pain. The person was routinely sent to the urgent treatment centre for a check-up and was declared healthy.
Cause assessment
According to the risk assessment and procedure, approved lifting straps must be used for this operation. It is normal practice to use approved straps and thread them into the pad eyes on the net.
In this case, a shortcut was taken due to haste. Rope was used because they were in a hurry to deploy the net between delousing operations.
A contributing factor may also be that the personnel on the service boat were not familiar with this particular boat, and one of them was in training.
SJA and risk assessments
Procedures and risk assessments for the the use of cranes and winches must always be available on board and known to the crew.
It is important to follow procedures and measures in risk assessments/safe job analyses (SJA) for lifting operations. Those involved in the operation and task must also take ownership of the task and the assessment made.
Often there is little time and pressure to get things done quickly, but it is still important to take the time to do the work safely and securely. Personal safety and the safety of colleagues must be the highest priority. If there is uncertainty along the way, the task must be stopped and the desired safety level restored.
What have we learned?
An important mesure to prevent incidents during lifting operations is the use of approved lifting straps. Before use, all lifting equipment must be visually inspected to detect any damage and/or deficiencies.
Using your own equipment probably provides the best control oover the condition of the equipment and ensures that the correct equipment is used. In some cases, the net supplier can attach lifting straps to nets before delivery to the customer. In such cases, we recommend dialogue with the supplier so that the straps provided by the supplier are approved for lifting.
Always check the lifting strap and how it is attached, and whether this is satisfactory in terms of lifting and the task to be performed with the crane on board.
Furthermore, it is important not to walk under hanging loads. Remember to consider where you and your colleagues are positioned in relation to hanging loads and during the movement of the load.
It is important that everyone involved has the necessary training and familiarisation in the use of crane winches, and that shortcuts are not taken in connection with lifting operations. Take the time needed to carry out risk assessments, SJA and safety talks. Ensure that everyone understands the task to be performed and how the work operation can be interrupted in case of uncertainty.
Be careful!
In connection with the "Safe workboat" campaign, the Norwegian Maritime Authority made a film that addresses the issue discussed in this article. Watch it here: