USCG issues urgent safety recommendations for working near winches

Eda Zenic -

On October 28, 2024, the United States Coast Guard issued safety alert 07-24, addressing critical safety hazards associated with open rotary machinery, particularly in the commercial fishing sector. This alert was prompted by a tragic incident that resulted in a fatality aboard a commercial fishing vessel.

Incident Overview

The investigation revealed that the fatality occurred while the vessel’s operator was manually adjusting the cable guide of a winch. This action placed the operator dangerously close to moving parts of the winch, exposing him to significant risks of entanglement. Compounding the hazard, the cable guide was severely weakened due to excessive corrosion and ultimately broke, causing the operator to fall into the winch mechanism. This incident highlights the dangers of inadequate safety measures and the potential for severe injury or death when working near unguarded rotating machinery.

Findings from the Investigation

Key findings from the Coast Guard investigation included:

  • Lack of Safety Features: The winch involved in the incident was missing critical safety components. Notably, there were no protective guards or auxiliary stopping devices in place. These omissions were significant factors contributing to the fatality, as they failed to prevent access to the hazardous areas of the machinery or provide a means to shut down the equipment quickly in an emergency.
  • Equipment Condition: The investigation underscored the importance of maintaining equipment in good working condition. The corrosion of the cable guide indicated a lack of regular maintenance and inspection, which are vital for ensuring the safety and functionality of machinery.

Recommendations

In response to the findings, the Coast Guard strongly urges owners, managers, and operators of uninspected vessels to take the following actions to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents:

  1. Install Protective Guards: It is essential to install guards around all winches and rotating machinery. These guards should be constructed of materials strong enough to withstand potential impacts and of sufficient height to effectively block access to moving parts. Maintaining a safe distance from these machines during operation is also crucial.
  2. Implement Auxiliary Stopping Devices: Auxiliary stopping devices should be installed to automatically de-energize winches and other rotary machinery during emergency situations. These devices can significantly reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring that machinery can be quickly and effectively shut down when necessary.
  3. Conduct Regular Inspections: Regular inspection protocols should be established for all components of winches and related machinery. This includes checking for signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, or any damage that could compromise the equipment's integrity or functionality. Operators should be vigilant about maintaining equipment and promptly addressing any identified issues.