A range of factors have been identified as contributing to an incident where a barge crew member of was fortunate to survive working on it.
Nelson Ranger Fishing Company Limited was recently sentencing in the District Court at Christchurch for failing to comply with its duties under the Health and Safety to Work Act 2015.
The company, was in 2023 operating the mussel barge, St George. A crew member of the barge was injured while retrieving berthing lines (lines connecting the barge to the wharf) at Lyttelton Port.
The St George was crewed by five people.
Issues with the company's safety systems for berthing (1), failings around training and supervision of the crew, and monitoring of procedures were identified as factors in the incident which saw the crew member suffering crushing injuries.
"There is risk when berthing a vessel of any type. In this instance the appropriate steps were not undertaken to ensure the safety of the crew," Investigation's Manager at Maritime NZ, John Maxwell says.
To manage the tidal changes when berthing, Nelson Ranger Fishing Company Limited installed nails on the wharf piles to secure the lines. The system meant on occasion, crew members needed to lean over the side to tie and untie the lines of the vessel while berthing, putting their bodies between the vessel and the wharf. This is what occurred the day the crew member got crushed between the barge and the wharf.
While the victim was leaning over the railing and attempting to untie the line, the St George drifted back into the wharf and crushed the victim's head and neck between the side of the barge and the wharf pile.
"This was an incredibly serious incident, and it is very fortunate we are not talking about a fatality," John Maxwell says.
There were other safe options available which could have enabled the crew to securely and safely retrieve berthing lines.
The berthing process was identified as a hazard in the vessel manual. With injury to crew listed as a risk.
"Unfortunately, this incident is an example of the consequences of what happens when berthing is incorrectly undertaken.
"This should serve as a strong reminder to everyone in the maritime industry, from recreational right through to commercial, full attention needs to be given when coming alongside," John Maxwell says.
