Report on occupational accident on board fishing vessel Leander outside Hamningberg in Båtsfjord on 22 June 2020
Marine report 2022/04
The accident occurred on board a combined seiner for purse and Danish seine fishing. One person died. The investigation into the accident showed that there was no physical barrier in place to protect the person from the great impact of the net crane.
The accident occurred on 22 June 2020 on board a combined seiner for purse and Danish seine fishing. The person who died was crushed between the net crane (crane with transport roller) and net bins. While the net crane was moving, the person who died was standing in the danger zone between the two net bins. This was an exposed position with little possibility of avoiding the net crane when it moved unintentionally.
The investigation into the accident showed that there was no physical barrier in place to protect the person from the great impact of the net crane. Various solutions are available to provide physical barriers against impact and crush injuries. The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority is of the opinion that it is necessary for shipowners to make more use of net crane stop arrangements than is currently the case. Two safety recommendations are submitted to the Norwegian Maritime Authority in this connection.
Published 28.04.2022
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation Marine no. 2022/01T
On Monday 22 June 2020, a work accident occurred on board the fishing vessel Leander. A member of the crew was crushed to death between the net crane and net bins. The person who died was standing in a very exposed position when an unintended incident occurred. Previous investigations by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority have shown that the current regulations for the construction of fishing vessels contain few requirements relating to danger zones in connection with the operation of fishing gear. Government authorities do not pay enough attention to operational safety during the construction phase. The NSIA has also in connection with previous investigations pointed out that it is essential to map, assess and safeguard all work processes during the construction phase, before the vessel is put into operation. The current regulations for design and construction of vessels do little to safeguard the personal safety of fishing crew during the future operational phase.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority recommends that the Norwegian Maritime Authority consider the introduction of functional requirements for cranes to have stop functions to prevent impact and crush injuries.
Safety recommendation Marine no. 2022/02T
On Monday 22 June 2020, a work accident occurred on board the fishing vessel Leander. A member of the crew was crushed to death between the net crane and net bins. The person was standing in a very exposed position when an unintended incident occurred. There was no physical barrier to prevent the violent forces of impact from the net crane (crane and roller). It is possible to arrange net crane stop functions, and such functions are in fact used on board fishing vessels today, but their purpose is mainly to ensure efficient operation. The same technology can be used to ensure physical barriers that prevent people from being exposed to violent forces.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority recommends that the Norwegian Maritime Authority cooperate with relevant special interest organisations for fishing vessels to provide guidance on the use of net crane stop arrangements as a physical barrier to prevent impact and crush injuries.
Facts
| Location | Outside Hamningberg, Båtsfjord, Troms and Finnmark |
| Occurrence date | 22.06.2020 |
| Accident category | Personal injury |
| Area | Norwegian Territorial Waters |
| IMO number | 9581930 |
| Name of vessel | Leander |
| Accident type | Occupational accident |
| Vessel type | Fishing Vessel |
| Register | The Norwegian Ship Register |