ICHCA International has recently conducted wide-ranging research on worldwide cargo-related workplace fatalities covering the period 2000 to the present day. We aim to learn from what has happened in the past to better understand the most severe risks in our industry; helping leaders at all levels to continuously improve how they conduct operations safely.

By examining the causes of cargo-related fatalities, we believe that organisations can re-assess existing management controls for focus, completeness and robustness, and whether the theoretical risk abatement of strategies translate to work on the ground. There is also the opportunity to engage with workforces and other stakeholders to seek well-managed, co-operative change and innovation.

The dataset covers over 500 fatalities involving port workers, contractors, visitors and other third parties from 2000 to July 2024 grouped according to the fatality cause:

What the research is telling us:

  • Crush by cargo is the leading cause of fatalities worldwide in our industry – more than a quarter of all incidents in the dataset.
  • Pedestrians run over by vehicles, particularly by handling equipment is the (close) second highest fatal incidence.
  • Fall is the third highest instance for shore-based workers.
  • Confined/Enclosed Space also stands out as a key hazard.
  • Loading/discharge and handling account for over half the instances in the dataset.

It is an almost even split between shore and on-board-vessel for key hazard locations. Bulk carriers were the vessel type most likely to give rise to on-board fatalities, followed by general cargo, ro-ro, container and tankers, in absolute numbers. Bulk carrier, ro-ro and container vessels appeared to show more incidents proportionately relative to their share of the world’s fleet.

The highest instances on shore were located on the quay, wider terminal, yards and warehouses. On vessels the highest instances were cargo holds/tanks, cargo hold access and working decks. Considering different cargo types, in raw numbers, the largest number of fatalities were associated with containers, followed by bulk solid, then breakbulk general cargo and ro-ro cargo.

The dataset has been built using publicly available information including formal investigations and news sites. It constitutes ICHCA International’s best efforts to understand and analyse the information available at the time in good faith and is subject to future change.

We acknowledge that the dataset is not exhaustive. It may not reflect the circumstances in all handling organisations or activities. We reserve the right to amend and adapt our findings according to further research and new data becoming available and we will update the dashboard accordingly. The single purpose of this work is to help organisations ensure that people go home safely from work at the end of their shift. More detailed information is available to ICHCA members. If you would like more information, please contact the author.