200031 Saved by a Safety Helmet

Saved by a Safety Helmet
Report No. 200031

A 2nd Mate was in charge on the deck of a ship which was at anchor and loading containers from barges. As a container was being loaded on to the 3rd layer by stevedores a twistlock fell from a height of about 8 metres. It hit the 2nd Mate on his helmet and touched his body causing an abrasion on his chest and a contusion on his left thigh. Because of the heavy impact on his head he was sent ashore to see a doctor.

An X-Ray was taken and he was declared fit to return to the vessel but put on light duties. This emphasises the importance of wearing personal protective equipment, without his helmet the 2nd Mate would probably have died.