The dock was always considered to one of the most dangerous in the UK. Latest report states that slips and trips are up by 50% (source HSE). It was reported that 7 people died as well as 449 major accidents and 1850 people off for more than 3 days between 2003 and 2008 (HSE). Like all places of work a risk assessment has to be done, one major problem the Health and safety manager will find is that often on the docks you have workers from several different countries all working in the same area. This has to be addressed, although by law, employees don’t have to be able to speak English, they must however be able to understand ‘keywords’ such as Stop! And Fire!
Slips and Trips remain the main problem in the dock area with as many as 26% of all people being injured (Source HSE). There are several steps that can be done to prevent a slip trip or fall.
Good housekeeping, like all areas in industry this is down to training you have to encourage a ‘see it – clear it’ mentality. If you have untidy workers or contractors in your area keep a report and follow up culture. Oil is a major slip hazard, on ships and cargo areas this is especially true, if oil or grease is on walkway call for spill control and avoid area, barriers should be placed around the hazard until told safe to walk on. Walkways and stair wells have to be free from obstacles.
Manual handling is another area that affects as many as 15% of accidents in the dock area (source HSE), a risk assessment should be done on any load that might cause harm, always consider using mechanical aids, never try to move heavy obstacles on your own. Although this is a very dangerous area to be in but with a little care and thought this could be a much safer environment to work in.
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