A ferry engineer required surgery after falling from an engine because safety procedures weren’t properly followed, an investigation has revealed.
The second engineer on Spirit of Tasmania I was conducting routine turbocharger maintenance when complications forced an unplanned scope change on March 6.
The vessel was berthed in Geelong at the time.
After deciding to replace a bearing housing cover plate, the engineer had to climb on and off the engine several times.
While making his way down, he walked along the engine’s rocker covers, slipped and fell heavily, sustaining a serious knee injury.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found no defined safe access route existed for reaching the engine top – despite it being a regular requirement.
ATSB director Stuart Macleod said the engineer had stepped across to an opening in a railing when he lost his footing.
He said the change in work scope should have prompted a fresh safety assessment.
“Despite this significant change in scope, the existing job safety analysis was not reviewed, nor was a new prestart safety checklist completed by those conducting the work,” Macleod said.
“This was due to perceived time pressure and a perception by those involved that the work was low risk.”
The investigation found the ship’s broader safety management procedures weren’t being effectively implemented.
Operator TT-Line has since installed removable work platforms on both Spirit of Tasmania vessels and updated relevant safety documentation.
Macleod said the incident followed a familiar pattern.
“A recurring factor in such incidents is the people involved in the work not recognising the hazards involved and/or considering the work routine and low risk,” he said.
The ATSB said effective safety management required commitment from personnel at all levels, both aboard ships and onshore.
