Port Botany tragedy leads to a call for change in Australia’s stevedoring industry

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) report into the tragic Vega Gotland incident of 28 March 2010 – where a Sydney wharfie lost his life – has shone a light on the need for better regulation of the stevedoring industry.

Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said, “Nothing can ever bring back the life that was lost that day. The investigation report produced by the ATSB vindicates the MUA’s long campaign for a National Stevedoring Code of Practice, and nationally regulated safety practices on the wharves.”

The independent ATSB identified seven key safety issues in their investigation, including the absence of policies and procedures concerning safety zones, and that recognized safe practices were not reflected in national guidance.

For more information:

• Read the article in the Southern Courier
• Read the MUA’s article about Nick Fanos