United Treasure’s permit to work aloft system had not been effectively implemented on board the ship. In addition, the standard form for the permit did not ensure that the officer in charge of the work and its authoriser were not the same person and that a risk assessment was formally undertaken by at least two responsible officers.
Safety action adequately addressed the safety issue.
United Ocean Ship Management has advised the ATSB that it has implemented the following measures to address the issue. The permit to work aloft system has been revised. The amended permit form lists more detailed safety precautions including not working aloft if rolling exceeds 2º, a maximum scaffolding height to width ratio of 2:1, a pre-work inspection to verify that scaffolding cannot topple or collapse and a pre-work job safety meeting.
In addition, a risk assessment is to be carried out by the officer in charge and the work permit’s authoriser, who must be a senior officer and cannot be the same person as the officer in charge. A new ‘Risk Management Manual’ which provides guidance for the identification of specific hazards when working aloft or outboard and the management of those risks.
The ATSB is satisfied that the safety action taken by United Ocean Ship Management adequately addresses the safety issue.
