24/02/2025
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Junior Engineer Succumbs to Electrocution: Key Findings and Lessons Learned
By the time assistance arrived, it was estimated that the junior engineer’s heart had stopped for over 10 minutes. Despite rigorous resuscitation attempts, he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
His remains were placed in the ship’s cold storage and later transported to his grieving family at the next port the following day.
✅️Root Causes and Contributing Factors
👉Lack of Proper Risk Assessment and Planning – No structured evaluation of potential hazards or a clear work plan was in place.
👉Inappropriate Use of Protective Gear – The junior engineer modified his personal protective clothing for comfort, exposing himself to danger.
👉Carrying Uninsulated Tools – He had unprotected tools in his pockets, increasing the risk of accidental contact with high-voltage components.
👉Poor Coordination – There was inadequate communication between the electrician and the deck crew operating the chipping machines.
👉No Rescue Equipment On-Site – Emergency response tools were not readily available, delaying rescue efforts.
✅️Lessons Learned
👉Strict Compliance with Manufacturer Guidelines – Fault tracing should always follow systematic procedures as per the manufacturer’s service manual. Where possible, power should be isolated, and components tested in a controlled workshop environment rather than in hazardous, high-voltage settings.
👉Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Protective clothing should never be removed or adjusted for comfort, as it serves as a crucial safety barrier.
👉Effective Communication – When multiple personnel are involved in a task, they must have a clear understanding of their roles and maintain a reliable means of communication. Whenever possible, they should remain within each other’s line of sight.
👉Controlled Work Environment – Critical operations should only be performed under safe conditions, with potential hazards such as excessive noise, vibration, or extreme temperatures mitigated or controlled.
👉Pre-Planned Emergency Response – Emergency protocols should be clearly outlined and rehearsed before commencing work. Essential rescue equipment must always be readily available.
👉Reliable Communication with Command Centers – Before starting high-risk tasks, a dependable communication link with the bridge or control center must be established and tested to ensure rapid response in case of an emergency.