Key Hazards in Docking Industry
For more information on hazards in docks see the information sheet prepared by the HSA Hazards in Port and Dock Operations (PDF 60KB Opens in New Window)
Falls from height
Accidents can occur when carrying out trimming, sheeting, container lashing operations, securing loads, accessing hold, accessing ships and working on board the ship. Falls also occur when mounting/dismounting from vehicles. Working around unfenced dock edges & accessing the ship also carries the risk of falling into water & subsequent drowning. )
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Lifting operations
Accidents can occur whilst carrying out loading and unloading operations and stacking and stowing goods there is a risk of falling objects. Items may be loose, incorrectly or poorly slung or stacked or fittings and fixtures used during lashing operations may be dropped. Loads or objects may collapse or fall having become unstable during transport or having been poorly loaded.
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Moving Vehicles and Pedestrian interface
Operations involving terminal tractor drivers, straddle carriers, fork truck and side loader operators are carried out within the dock environment as well as various types of crane movements. Roll-on roll-off traffic may also be present.
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Exposure to hazardous substances
Loading and unloading solid bulk cargoes may expose employees to dusty cargoes or respiratory sensitisers. Cargoes may be flammable, toxic, poisonous or corrosive. Some cargoes such as grain may also have been fumigated. Some solid bulk cargoes in the hold may not be hazardous themselves, for example, wet fish, fishmeal and bark but may be liable to give rise to hazardous substances like gases due to decomposition or bacterial action. Vehicle exhaust emissions in the ships’ hold may also give rise to exposure.)
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Mooring - (can be a hazardous activity on board ship as there is a risk of getting caught in rope or winches. Mooring on the dock/jetty also carries its own risk as the rope can be very heavy and awkward, particularly if it is wet or if rope breaks it can lash back.)
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Slips, Trips and Falls
These can occur on wet or icy surfaces or because of badly stowed ropes, cables, lashing gear, inadequate lighting or poor housekeeping in general. See our publication Get a Grip (410 KB PDF Opens in new window)
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Musculoskeletal Disorders
These can occur as a from activities involving operating container cranes, straddle carriers, tugmasters etc and the manual handling and manoeuvring of loads, lifting gear, attachments)
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Environmental Hazards
Weather & Tidal Movements and cold or wet weather can reduce concentration and make manual tasks more difficult. Tidal movements can have an effect on the safety of access to ships and increase risk of collision between dockside equipment and the vessel.
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Fatigue
Fatigue can affect health, safety and work performance. Fatigue can increase the risk of accidents through poor perception or physical exhaustion.
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