The Maritime Union described their findings from an investigation into the death of a man as “horrific”.
The 56-year-old worker was crushed and died while working on a cargo ship in September of last year. His death was result of a 20-tonne pallet of aluminium ingots fell upon him.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s recently released report from their 8-month investigation, revealed that unsafe work practices and stevedore fatigue could be to blame.
Union rep Warren Smith called for changes in the industry to improve safety.
“The findings are quite horrific really and it clearly demonstrates a complete lack of safety culture and massive gaps in the safe working systems within Newcastle Stevedores that absolutely need to be rectified,” he said.
“It’s quite abhorrent really that in the 21st century basic flaws in safety systems exist like that.”
The union are expected to meet with Newcastle Stevedores to discuss the findings of the ATSB report.
Smith says improvements to the system are especially needed.
“We have met them [Newcastle Stevedores] over a period of time prior to the release of the report and all our concerns have been articulated to the company very clearly.
“There will be ongoing meetings and we’ll do everything we can with the company to ensure the systems of work are eliminated, the gaps in their system of work are eliminated once and for all.”
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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/maritime-safety-talks-to-continue-after-ship-fatality/4733616
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