New Code for Health and Safety at Ports

Wednesday 30 June 2004

A new Code of Practice for Health and Safety in Port Operations has been released by the Department of Labour’s Occupational Health Service and the Maritime Safety Authority.

MSA General Manager Maritime Operations John Mansell says the Code sets a new international benchmark in safety for all waterfront workers.

'The Port Industry Group who prepared this document can be congratulated,' said Mansell. 'By working together, industry players, OSH, MSA and other agencies have produced something of real practical value,' he said.

The Code covers safety precautions and recommendations that will prevent harm and promote the wellbeing of everyone involved in or coming near port operations. It deals with a broad range of aspects, from the safest way to rig gangway nets, to hazardous substances, machinery, and noise.

The Code was developed after the industry said it needed a document that made their health and safety obligations clearer.

OSH National Operations Manager Mike Cosman said: 'The industry needed guidelines that were focussed on their day-to-day operations. The Health and Safety in Employment Act talks about 'all practicable steps' and this Code helps show what that actually means for the industry.'

'The industry now has a workable code, designed by them, to meet their needs,' said Mr Cosman.

'The environment of port work is constantly changing. Each ship has its own mix of cargoes and its own different access points. The constant change means those in the port industry need to be particularly alert about spotting potential dangers,' he said.

'You could say it’s like coming to work at a different factory every day.'

Another challenge is that most ports are in control of their own roadways and walkways, so they need to consider safety around vehicle movement.

The Code helps the industry face its unique challenges with advice on actively identifying hazards for each ship, and planning for safety around transport and mobile plant.

'Port workers will be aware of what everyone else is doing, they’ll know each others’ systems, and interlink more easily,' says Mr Cosman. 'By sharing best practice information across the industry, everyone can learn from each other’s experience how to make our ports safer, and ultimately more productive.'