Unsafe Hatch on Container Ship Causes Serious Injuries

Case Overview

This boating safety case takes place in Texas and involves a man who was severely injured after falling through a trap door while aboard an ocean container ship. The man was working as a machinist in the shipping industry, which was en rout to the United States following its departure from a seaport in China. The hatch had a trap door that was allegedly left open by an unknown member of the crew. The door was unmarked and nondescript, had no barriers to prevent an accident of this nature, and there were no toe boards in place. The man suffered injuries to his arms that have prevented him from working, causing a great deal of emotional and financial hardship.

Questions to the Occupational Health and Safety expert and their responses

Do you extensive knowledge of the proper safety mechanisms that should be set in place on cargo ships to prevent injuries?

I have extensive knowledge of the proper safety mechanisms that should be put in place to prevent injuries on cargo ships.

Please explain the signs and safety features that a hatch (trap door) should include to prevent injury.

There should have been proper signage around this door. If not that, there should have been a person present to guard the door to ensure that no one inadvertently stepped into it.

Have you ever reviewed a similar maritime safety case? Please explain.

From a systems or organizational perspective, there should be a policy or procedure in order to uphold industry standards. I have 35 years of experience as a safety engineer and specific experience working in the maritime and oil industry. I am glad to discuss further and be of assistance.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over 35 years of experience as a Safety Engineer. He holds a bachelors degree in industrial engineering and a masters degree in safety engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a board certified safety professional, and a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas. He worked as a safety engineer for Marathon Oil Company for 15 years where he provided safety engineering services to both onshore and offshore operations for the Alaska and Gulf Coast divisions. He frequently reviewed the offshore platforms and safety systems to ensure they were operating safely and efficiently, and was required to perform accident reconstruction and analysis when needed. This expert also worked as a consultant for two separate consulting firms. His responsibilities at these firms included forensic engineering, preliminary hazard analysis, and the design of emergency plans for international oil operations. Also as a consultant, this expert would provide litigation support and expert testimony when required. Currently, this expert owns and operates a safety engineering consulting firm. In addition to his consulting work, he frequently attends OSHA and National Drilling Association seminars and conferences to remain current on all regulations while maintaining memberships in the American Society of Engineers and the National Safety Council.

E-009923

Specialties:

Occupational Health and Safety