News & Topics
From the sectors

Keeping abreast of the latest news is crucial, especially in a dynamic and high-risk environment like the maritime sector. By being well-informed about recent developments, regulations and best practices, employees and companies can learn from each other, improve safety and work more efficiently.

Click and read on to learn more about the latest safety guidelines, innovative techniques and essential measures that contribute to a safe working environment at sea. Stay prepared and well-informed with our insights.

“IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT PERFORM YOUR WORK SAFELY, YOU MUST SPEAK UP

The challenge of accidents at sea
One of the biggest challenges in my work is that ships are often not in the Netherlands when an accident occurs. Dutch seagoing vessels operate globally, which makes it difficult to be on-site immediately. However, all vessels under the Dutch flag fall within our jurisdiction, regardless of their location. This sometimes makes my job complex, as we need to gather a clear picture of events from afar.

If the employer conducts a thorough investigation and a violation of the Working Conditions Act is found, no fine is issued, provided improvements are implemented. However, if the employer’s report does not meet the requirements, we take over the investigation. Should our investigation reveal a breach of workplace safety laws, we may issue a fine.

Maintaining a critical perspective
Although employers are allowed to investigate accidents themselves, I always emphasize the importance of maintaining a critical perspective. It’s often wise to have someone who wasn’t involved in the incident review the investigation. We’ve noticed that many employers struggle to meet all criteria in their initial reports, but we also see significant improvement among most shipping companies over time.

The main goal of this new approach is to enhance workplace safety—onboard ships, in this case. The responsibility for implementing measures lies primarily with the employer, but we closely monitor the process to ensure real safety improvements are achieved.

Safety comes first
I want to stress how vital it is for crew members to prioritize safety at all times. At sea, there’s often a "can-do mentality," where people are determined to get the job done, even when conditions aren’t entirely safe. However, an accident ultimately causes much more damage and delay. If you feel you cannot perform your work safely, it’s essential to speak up immediately.

Many shipping companies have systems with guidelines designed to ensure safety, such as conducting last-minute risk assessments, toolbox meetings, or invoking a "stop-the-job" policy. It’s crucial not just to tick boxes on a checklist but to genuinely reflect on the safety of the situation. If you believe it’s unsafe, take it seriously.

I firmly believe that my work as an accident investigator contributes to a safer working environment for crew members on seagoing vessels. While I’d prefer accidents didn’t happen at all, I’m always ready to investigate them thoroughly and help improve onboard safety.


Changes in investigating workplace accidents
In recent years, our approach to investigating workplace accidents aboard Dutch seagoing vessels has evolved. Since November 2023, we’ve allowed employers to conduct their own investigations into certain workplace accidents and submit a report along with an improvement plan. This applies to incidents where someone is hospitalized or sustains permanent injury. This methodology stems from a pilot program initially conducted by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate, which we later adopted.

The idea behind this pilot is to give employers greater responsibility in investigating workplace accidents and improving working conditions. When an employer conducts the investigation, they must submit a report and improvement plan within 15 working days. It’s crucial for them to critically analyze what went wrong and identify measures to prevent recurrence.

Illustrative photo

Photo: Katja van der Wall

EMPLOYERS MUST BE CRITICAL IN THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS; OTHERWISE, THE RISK OF REPEATING THE SAME ACCIDENT REMAINS

each day is different. THE RANGE OF DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS MAKES MY WORK DIVERSE

My name is Katja van der Wall, and I work as an accident investigator at the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). I specialize in investigating accidents on and involving seagoing vessels flying the Dutch flag. The incidents I investigate vary greatly, from collisions and groundings to technical malfunctions and workplace accidents. While it might sound strange to say that my work is "enjoyable," I certainly find it fascinating. No two days are the same, which makes the job incredibly diverse.

Each year, ILT receives approximately 200 reports of accidents and incidents aboard Dutch seagoing vessels. Almost every working day, a new incident requires investigation. Every case brings its own unique challenges, involving different shipping companies and crew members. This diversity keeps the work both challenging and engaging.

MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYERS
WITH NEW APPROACH TO WORKPLACE
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

Photo: Holland America Line / Seabourn

Immediate corrective actions

Following the incident, the shipping company took below actions to avoid similar incidents in the future.

  • An on-board training was conducted with all operators to discuss the incident and remind them about the correct procedures.

Preventive actions taken:

  • Bars will be designed which can be used for lowering the winch without having the risk that it can result in a similar injury.

  • Warning signs are posted that everyone should be clear from the winch before any movement.

  • Risk assessment updated to include the lowering procedure.

Illustrative photo

July 2024, a vessel registered in the Netherlands was conducing lifeboat operations for maintenance purposes. During routine operations a lifeboat had to be recovered from the water which required the fall blocks of the davit to be lowered so the boat could connect, this as the fall blocks were hoisted after releasing the boat. The fall blocks are lowered via gravity, however as there was no weight in the blocks, the blocks did not lower by itself. A crew member assisted the winch by using a metal bar to move the winch and lower the blocks. At the same time as the crew member was using the metal bar, another crew member started to operate the winch via the hydraulic system which resulted in an injury. The crew member’s finger got stuck between the bulkhead and the metal bar. At time of the incident the crew member did use the PPE as described in the risk assessment for lowering/hoisting operations.

Incident on board a ship
during lifeboat operations
INCIDENT on board
during rescue operations
NEW APPROACH FOR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Keeping abreast of the latest news is crucial, especially in a dynamic and high-risk environment like the maritime sector. By being well-informed about recent developments, regulations and best practices, employees and companies can learn from each other, improve safety and work more efficiently.

Click and read on to learn more about the latest safety guidelines, innovative techniques and essential measures that contribute to a safe working environment at sea. Stay prepared and well-informed with our insights.

From the sectors
News & Topics

“IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT PERFORM YOUR WORK SAFELY, YOU MUST SPEAK UP

Safety comes first
I want to stress how vital it is for crew members to prioritize safety at all times. At sea, there’s often a "can-do mentality," where people are determined to get the job done, even when conditions aren’t entirely safe. However, an accident ultimately causes much more damage and delay. If you feel you cannot perform your work safely, it’s essential to speak up immediately.

Many shipping companies have systems with guidelines designed to ensure safety, such as conducting last-minute risk assessments, toolbox meetings, or invoking a "stop-the-job" policy. It’s crucial not just to tick boxes on a checklist but to genuinely reflect on the safety of the situation. If you believe it’s unsafe, take it seriously.

I firmly believe that my work as an accident investigator contributes to a safer working environment for crew members on seagoing vessels. While I’d prefer accidents didn’t happen at all, I’m always ready to investigate them thoroughly and help improve onboard safety.


Maintaining a critical perspective
Although employers are allowed to investigate accidents themselves, I always emphasize the importance of maintaining a critical perspective. It’s often wise to have someone who wasn’t involved in the incident review the investigation. We’ve noticed that many employers struggle to meet all criteria in their initial reports, but we also see significant improvement among most shipping companies over time.

The main goal of this new approach is to enhance workplace safety—onboard ships, in this case. The responsibility for implementing measures lies primarily with the employer, but we closely monitor the process to ensure real safety improvements are achieved.

EMPLOYERS MUST BE CRITICAL IN THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS; OTHERWISE, THE RISK OF REPEATING THE SAME ACCIDENT REMAINS

each day is different. THE RANGE OF DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS MAKES MY WORK DIVERSE

Illustrative photo

Photo: Katja van der Wall

The challenge of accidents at sea
One of the biggest challenges in my work is that ships are often not in the Netherlands when an accident occurs. Dutch seagoing vessels operate globally, which makes it difficult to be on-site immediately. However, all vessels under the Dutch flag fall within our jurisdiction, regardless of their location. This sometimes makes my job complex, as we need to gather a clear picture of events from afar.

If the employer conducts a thorough investigation and a violation of the Working Conditions Act is found, no fine is issued, provided improvements are implemented. However, if the employer’s report does not meet the requirements, we take over the investigation. Should our investigation reveal a breach of workplace safety laws, we may issue a fine.

Changes in investigating workplace accidents
In recent years, our approach to investigating workplace accidents aboard Dutch seagoing vessels has evolved. Since November 2023, we’ve allowed employers to conduct their own investigations into certain workplace accidents and submit a report along with an improvement plan. This applies to incidents where someone is hospitalized or sustains permanent injury. This methodology stems from a pilot program initially conducted by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate, which we later adopted.

The idea behind this pilot is to give employers greater responsibility in investigating workplace accidents and improving working conditions. When an employer conducts the investigation, they must submit a report and improvement plan within 15 working days. It’s crucial for them to critically analyze what went wrong and identify measures to prevent recurrence.

My name is Katja van der Wall, and I work as an accident investigator at the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). I specialize in investigating accidents on and involving seagoing vessels flying the Dutch flag. The incidents I investigate vary greatly, from collisions and groundings to technical malfunctions and workplace accidents. While it might sound strange to say that my work is "enjoyable," I certainly find it fascinating. No two days are the same, which makes the job incredibly diverse.

Each year, ILT receives approximately 200 reports of accidents and incidents aboard Dutch seagoing vessels. Almost every working day, a new incident requires investigation. Every case brings its own unique challenges, involving different shipping companies and crew members. This diversity keeps the work both challenging and engaging.

MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYERS
WITH NEW APPROACH TO WORKPLACE
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

Photo: Holland America Line / Seabourn

Illustrative photo

Immediate corrective actions

Following the incident, the shipping company took below actions to avoid similar incidents in the future.

  • An on-board training was conducted with all operators to discuss the incident and remind them about the correct procedures.

Preventive actions taken:

  • Bars will be designed which can be used for lowering the winch without having the risk that it can result in a similar injury.

  • Warning signs are posted that everyone should be clear from the winch before any movement.

  • Risk assessment updated to include the lowering procedure.

July 2024, a vessel registered in the Netherlands was conducing lifeboat operations for maintenance purposes. During routine operations a lifeboat had to be recovered from the water which required the fall blocks of the davit to be lowered so the boat could connect, this as the fall blocks were hoisted after releasing the boat. The fall blocks are lowered via gravity, however as there was no weight in the blocks, the blocks did not lower by itself. A crew member assisted the winch by using a metal bar to move the winch and lower the blocks. At the same time as the crew member was using the metal bar, another crew member started to operate the winch via the hydraulic system which resulted in an injury. The crew member’s finger got stuck between the bulkhead and the metal bar. At time of the incident the crew member did use the PPE as described in the risk assessment for lowering/hoisting operations.

Incident on board a ship during lifeboat operations

Fullscreen