The festive season turned tragic at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, on December 25, 2024, when a dockworker tragically lost his life at the Five Star Logistics Terminal. The fatal incident occurred onboard the vessel MSC Samu when a Liebherr crane crushed the worker, resulting in an immediate and devastating fatality. The worker was laid to rest the following day.

This incident, confirmed by Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), underscores grave safety concerns at the terminal. According to Adeyanju, the accident was avoidable and stemmed from negligence by both terminal operators and stevedoring contractors.

Safety Failures and Neglect

The MWUN leadership’s inspection of the accident site revealed glaring safety lapses, including:

• Inadequate supervision: Only one supervisor was assigned to oversee a vessel operation involving 50-60 workers.
• Improper safety gear: Workers were observed wearing casual footwear like bathroom slippers instead of safety boots, and lacking basic protective equipment such as helmets and coveralls.
• Dangerous working conditions: The terminal was identified as having numerous hazards, described as “death traps,” by Adeyanju.

The late dockworker displayed commendable safety awareness by evacuating others from the danger zone under the crane. However, supervisors responsible for managing crane movements were notably absent.

Adeyanju also criticized the prevailing neglect of worker welfare by terminal operators, highlighting that many companies ignore fundamental safety protocols. He emphasized the need for regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to intervene, as these unsafe practices compromise human lives and workplace safety.

Call for Reform

This tragedy serves as a critical reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety measures in high-risk environments like ports. Safety best practices demand:

1. Adequate Supervision: Assigning multiple supervisors to oversee operations on large vessels.
2. Proper Equipment: Ensuring workers are equipped with safety boots, helmets, and coveralls.
3. Training and Awareness: Conducting regular safety drills and providing workers with proper training to recognize and mitigate hazards.
4. Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening enforcement of safety regulations by authorities such as NIMASA.

Safety is non-negotiable, and this tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to prioritize the well-being of dockworkers.

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