De - Lashing Containers - Maritime New Zealand

It’s one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs on container port facilities in New Zealand De-lashing containers.

During the voyage loads have shifted…..tensions on the lashings may have altered……and there is always a temptation to speed the work up to get it done more quickly.
Just take a breath…..step back, and look at what you are doing….think of it in terms of …‘how can I prevent an injury to myself or to my partner’?.

When de-lashing…take the strain of your back by using your legs to release the turnbuckle….store the rods and other equipment correctly the FIRST time so it doesn’t create a tripping hazard….and always be aware of the position of the cranes and loads.
There is a right way and wrong way to handle rods once away from the container. ….If you’re not aware of where your partner is…you are liable to hit him with the bar ….Especially when turning with a rod…hold it vertically and don’t blindside your partner……….. When standing a rod up off the deck or lowering it to the deck…always use two hands and brace one end so it doesn’t slip out from under you . ….. Lower the bar to the chest first and then to the ground. ….. Bend your knees.

Think ‘Safety First’…..don’t create new hazards during the de-lashing process……..…stow the unlashed gear properly.
Before you begin any shift on ship it is smart to review what you are going to do and the safety precautions you intend to take. …..It’s called a safety or toolbox talk…this is the time to listen and to ask questions if you are new on the job or unfamiliar with the ship or the process.

Once on the ship be aware of some of the hazards that are around …….things like bars and turnbuckles …also the stackers protruding from the deck. …..As you look around the deck you will see there are a number of tripping hazards…so be careful where you are walking….take your time….work with a partner at all times.
Protect yourself and your partner from injury with the RIGHT personal equipment…always wear a hard hat…high visibility vest and ear protection…wear gloves and steel toed capped boots ….lift with you legs and keep your back straight to prevent strains….work methodically and at an even pace….you will be safer and more productive.

Think ‘Safety First’…don’t be afraid to ask a question…………if you have a question or see a situation that you think might be dangerous notify your supervisor.
A lot of the danger in lashing and unlashing doesn’t involve rods and turnbuckles…….one of the most common accidents on ships is falling……tripping over lugs and equipment…..tumbling into a bay….slipping off a ladder or equipment.or stepping in front of a piece of moving equipment.

Make sure any avoidable hazards are marked…sealed off or otherwise diminished and that your partner is aware of them as well. Communication is the key to safety in this environment.

Think “Safety First’ ….as you move about the ship …maintain 3 point contact…2 legs and an arm…2 arms and a leg on all ladders at all times.
You need to communicate really well…you need to know where your partner is…you need to know what ‘s going on around you….these are all safety skills.

The best way to protect yourself… and be productive is to be a partner….A safety partner…..
That’s what the partnership is about…making sure that both of you stay safe

Think about yourself and the rest of your crew ‘other guy’…..when you are laying down a turnbuckle on deck…pivoting with a long rod….stowing cones and other gear…and if you see something that might be endangering someone’s safety…tell your supervisor.

Basically….work methodickly…work safe…and be careful…we want everyone to go home in the same condition they came to work.

………….Okay Lets go to work



Changes to yesterdays voice over lashings

Lashing containers is a dangerous business…..impact injuries from falling equipment can be fatal……’pinching’ can cost fingers and toes….tripping and falls are common….and muscle strains, especially Lumber and shoulder sprains go with the territory.

Protect yourself and your partner from injury with the RIGHT personal equipment…always wear a hard hat…high visibility vest and ear protection…wear gloves and steel toed capped boots ….lift with you legs and keep your back straight to prevent strains….work methodically and at an even pace….you will be safer and more productive

Think ‘Safety First’…know where the cranes are at all times…You MUST never work or stand under a moving crane or container… If you have any concerns or see a situation that you think might be dangerous …notify your supervisor.

Work as a team….Communicate constantly and stay aware of your surroundings every minute you are on deck. Things happen when you least expect it. These skills will make you productive and will also keep you safe… “STAY ALERT AT ALL TIMES”