Injury while shifting metal sheets

Lessons learnt

• Assess appropriate number of persons required for a task, do not hesitate to ask for help.
• Appoint a senior officer to supervise the entire operation. Ensure situational awareness.
• Do not move loads over people working below.
• Assess weather conditions and use appropriate PPE for the task.
• Identify and discuss number, size and weight of the plates being handled.
• Carry out detailed work planning and conduct toolbox meeting at the worksite to discuss work plan, assess and highlight the risk and contl measures required.
• Assess equipment available to handle the steel plates and their SWLs. (Crane/overhead davits/pad eyes/chain blocks/ spreader bars/ slate clamps etc.)
• Assess intended route for transfer of the plates, positions for attaching lifting devices to the plates, position of the crew while handling the plates.
• Ensure that the crane or hoist used is positioned directly over the load to prevent the load from swinging as it clears the floor or ground. Use steadying lines to assist the safe maneuvering of loads during lifting.
• When removing/adding a plate to an existing stack, ensure that the entire stack is not left unsecured, as it may fall or shift causing severe injuries. Take extra care when handling plates which are not stowed horizontally.
• If moving the plates over long distances, where overhead lifting arrangements are not available, consider use of a suitable trolley.

Caution: In another similar incident, the fitter on our ship broke both his fore arms while shifting metal plates in the engine room.