When it comes to container terminals, it is important to recognise that there are safety risks as in most industrial environments. It is not uncommon to see many an accident take place that involves damage to not only the cargo itself but also various machinery and the staff involved. While some incidents cannot be avoided despite the best-laid plans, there are steps that we, as the human element in the equation, can take to mitigate the frequency of these mishaps.

container-port-loading-stacked | img via pxfuel

Some of the most common accidents that take place inside a container terminal involve workers and handlers, tripping, slipping, falling or losing balance. This is not unique to any one container terminal as incidents of this nature are reported from terminals around the world. These incidents not only result in significant financial losses but also in workers being injured and unable to work for weeks or more. The only way to reduce the chance of handling crew members slipping and falling is to create a more safe atmosphere for stevedores when they are working from vaulted heights and operating containers at odd hours of the day.

Use the Most Modern Handling Equipment Available

Although South Asia Gateway Terminals and some of the more reputed global container terminal operators employ the latest and the most up-to-date handling equipment in the industry, the same cannot be said for every container terminal. In fact, there are a great many terminals that use outdated equipment that is considered obsolete or even ineffective according to current standards. Apart from updating the handling equipment, terminals that are behind the curve should also perform regular maintenance services on the machinery inside the terminal as tools such as lashing equipment need to be replaced if they are no longer in working order.

There are new innovations relating to cargo handling and terminal being introduced to the marketplace each year and the terminals that hope to offer the best services must jump on board the bandwagon. Most of these new technologies and machines are designed to be safer and most efficient in terms of use so handling cargo can be performed with much more precision and higher competence. Some areas where new technologies are making a difference include the alerts, signals and the various sensors in place to flag down handling crew of any safety issues.

Human resources or the handling crew working in any container terminal cannot simply rely on new technologies and machines to fill in the blanks where human discernment and skills are required. This is why it is crucial to keep learning on the job and adopt new ways of doing things and discarding old practices that no longer serve the work team. Those who are employed in the container terminal cargo handling tasks must keep abreast with the latest developments in the industry and find new solutions to mitigate daily obstacles and safety concerns that pop up during the workday.

Every container terminal should also have a document listing the special procedures to use when unloading fragile items or products. As an area that has always proved to be challenging, it is better for workmen to be aware of the protocols to follow in this regard. The Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units can be a great resource in this regard as it offers user-friendly and modern techniques for not only packaging and loading cargo but also transporting and handling it. Having well-defined protocols and guidelines for handling fragile items will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of operations but also reduce the risk of damage to valuable goods, ensuring customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness for the terminal.