Port Safety

Ports have been categorised as one of the highest risk sectors to work in. This is due to the many safety hazards workers face on a daily basis. The main health risks are caused when moving loading vehicles, unloading and loading cargo. These health and safety risks may be reduced if workers are constantly reminded and are aware of the many hazards that they face. It is also important, as an employer, to make sure all workers are fully qualified to be doing the job they have signed up to do.

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Risks

When working at ports, workers must be vigilant and know exactly where there is a high risk of being injured. As an employer you should make aware the following hazards and also make note on how to avoid serious injuries or fatalities.

Vehicles

• There are many different vehicles on site in ports.
• It is important that vehicles and pedestrians are clearly separated
• Suitable signage should be placed around the site for both drivers and pedestrians
• Only authorised persons should be allowed to operate the vehicle
• Vehicles must be inspected before and after every use
• No public vehicles should be allowed on site

Fall from Height

• According to the HSA, falls from height can occur whilst carrying out trimming, sheeting and container lashing, securing loads, accessing ships, working on board a ship or working on heavy machinery.
• Make sure to fence off open dock edges
• All workers should be wearing a safety harness when working at a height to prevent any falls

Dust

• When working with cargo on the ports there may be a lot of dust or asphyxiate substances which may result in asthma.
• Some cargo loads may be poisonous, flammable, or corrosive.
• According to the HSA some loads may produce hazardous gases from decomposition, bacterial or vehicle exhaust emission.
• The HSA suggests that a closed system should be in place for the protection of employees against and dust of fumes from the load in the cargo
• Workers should only be permitted into a confined space if there is a proper working ventilation system in operation.
• Workers should be advised to wear their safety glasses and mask at all times when on site.

Mooring

• There is a huge risk of workers being caught in a line or wrench while mooring.
• Workers should stand clear of lines when they are thrown
• There should be sufficient light put in place at all hours of the day to accommodate shift workers at night
• As the HSA states, workers should “never put their feet in bights or eyes in mooring lines or step over a mooring line under tension”

Fatigue / Shift Work

• Many workers may be on shift work. This means they do not have normal working hours. As many workers may have to work hours throughout the night it is important to highlight the hazards that come with night shifts.
• Highlight the importance of sleep to all workers
• Allow for long rest periods before their next shift
• All workers should wear a high-visibility vest at all times while on site
• Wherever applicable, there should be bright lights installed to allow workers to see clearly

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Keep workers informed

It is imperative that all workers are kept up-to-date with all health and safety regulations throughout the site. As an employer it is your duty to impose safety reminders around the sit such as signs and posters for workers to keep in mind. Using an online platform such as GoContractor is an easy way to make sure all workers coming on site are up-to-date with safety hazards and documentation as they would be able to upload any documentation before arriving on site. By doing so you are reducing the risk of not only injuries and fatalities, but also making sure everyone working on your site is fully capable of doing their job properly and will not put others around them at harm.