Operator’s Cab of Straddle Carrier Collides with Gantry Crane’s Spreader [Norfolk, VA ~ 11 March 2016]

Posted by admin on Mar 11, 2016 in Bulletins

Blueoceana Company has learned that a serious accident has occurred at Norfolk International Terminals this morning (around 11:00 AM), wherein a ship to shore gantry crane’s trolleying spreader contacted (and pretty much demolished) a straddle carrier operator’s cab on the apron (highline); adjacent to the dock’s stringpiece.

We understand that the operator was knocked out of his seat and onto the roof of the container he was moving (see photo below). He was rushed to the hospital in a conscious condition; with an apparent broken leg. We’re hoping for a speedy recovery.

Of late, we’ve seen at least three separate incidents occurring at East Coast ports wherein almost identical circumstances prevailed. One of them, just last November 17th, at Norfolk.

It doesn’t take a great deal of planning, training or procedural intervention to keep these two objects away from one another on a consistent basis. Why then, isn’t it being done?

Update [12 March ~ 11:00 AM]: Reports coming from Norfolk indicate that the injured worker is Mr. Herman Hinton, a member of ILA Local Union 1248. Our understanding is that the compound fracture of his injured leg was so complex and of such a magnitude, that amputation became a necessity. This morning, it’s our understanding that further surgery is underway in order to attend to internal injuries. Our thoughts are with this worker, his family, his friends and the entire port community at Hampton Roads.

Link to Media Account:    NIT sends one to the hospital (031116)

Update [16 March 2016]: Blueoceana Company has obtained a short, real time video clip of this accident. We include a link to it immediately below:

IMG_3790

Below: Photos of the Accident that Occurred 17 November 2015 at Norfolk