Harbour accident report highlights lack of safety

A 49-year-old man fractured his leg in the fall

Ports of Jersey and a freight company have been told to improve safety measures after a deckhand slipped from a quayside ladder and fell seven metres, breaking his leg.

Jersey Maritime Administration's report found multiple safety failings contributed to the accident which happened at St Helier Harbour on 21 November 2024.

It found the deckhand was not wearing a lifejacket and was carrying a rucksack while climbing the slippery vertical ladder with no fall prevention system.

The company Normandy Trader Freight Services was told to review its risk assessments and Jersey Ports was asked to carry out a review of inspection processes of quayside ladders.

The 49-year-old deckhand, who had been aboard the company's Normandy Trader, landed in water between the ship and the quayside.

The report stated that it was likely he fractured his left tibia when he struck one of the ladder's securing lugs as he fell.

It said he was still undergoing physiotherapy.

The man fell from the ladder and landed in the water between the ship and the quayside

Recommendations for the freight company included ensuring crew members do not climb or descend ladders while wearing rucksacks or carrying any items.

It also said a review should take place into the possible use of a fall prevention device.

The report found the ladder was safe to use at the time of the accident but it told Jersey Ports to improve its safety through repairs and modifications.

It noted the accident had similarities to an incident in 2023 where a man died after falling between two ships on the same quay.

The deckhand also had to move between two ships before climbing the ladder.

The report said Ports of Jersey should consider issuing a safety bulletin comprising of lessons learned from both accidents.