A stevedore died on the sport after he was crushed by the container on a ship during cargo operation at the Port of Auckland. The incident has sparked row amid port authority and port worker raising demand for an independent inquiry.
The stevedore who came onboard ship for lashing duty died about 2 am Sunday at the Fergusson Container Terminal.
There was no comment from the authority of Ports of Auckland about the accident as an investigation was underway. However, Maritime Union Auckland Local 13 secretary Russell Mayn has criticized the port authority for lack of safety and stressful work hours.
Recently, a fine was imposed on Ports of Auckland and one of its skippers last month against the negligence of their health and safety duties after a pilot boat accidentally struck and killed ocean swimmer Leslie Gelberger.
Secretary Russell Mayn said – “Too many hours. Graveyard shifts may be alright in some situations … but this is not a factory.
“This is outside, in all weather, in a dangerous place. It’s hard work.
“Lashing on board the ship is a physically demanding, heavy job, and it’s dangerous.”
Mayn remembered his working days in 1973 when the norms were eight-hour shifts.
Source:- Marine Insight
