Shipping Containers: Damages, Dangers & Injured Workers

The journey of a shipping container is fraught with risks, from exposure to the elements in container yards to rough transport by land and sea. Each stage presents challenges, posing dangers not only to the container's integrity but to the safety of those working nearby.

Vulnerabilities of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are designed to protect and transport goods across the world's oceans. Despite their rugged construction and resilience, they are not immune to the forces of nature, making them vulnerable to a range of damages:

At the Container Yard: Containers spend significant amounts of time stored in container yards, awaiting their next voyage. Here, they are exposed to the elements, with prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and fluctuating temperatures potentially weakening their structure over time. Rust and corrosion can set in, especially in coastal areas where the salty sea air accelerates the wear process. This environmental exposure can degrade the container's materials, making them more susceptible to damage during subsequent handling and transport.
Handling and Movement: The process of moving empty containers, whether by crane, forklift, or truck, introduces risks of mishandling and accidents. Improper lifting or accidental collisions can cause dents, deformations, and structural compromises. These incidents not only affect the container's integrity but also pose safety risks to workers involved in their movement. The skill and experience of the operators play a crucial role in minimizing these risks, highlighting the importance of proper training and equipment maintenance.
Loading and Stowage: The phase of loading cargo into containers at the shipper's premises is critical. Overloading, improper stowage, and inadequate securing of cargo can lead to internal damage when the containers are moved or subjected to the dynamic forces of sea transport. This internal damage might not be immediately visible but can compromise the safety of the cargo and the container's structural integrity, leading to potential hazards during unloading and further transport.
Overland Transport: The journey from the shipper's premises to the port, and from the port to the consignee, often involves overland transport by truck or rail. Motor vehicle accidents, rough handling at rail terminals, and the stress of long journeys can inflict significant damage on containers. Vibrations, impacts from road irregularities, and the stress of handling at various points along the route can exacerbate existing damages or create new ones.
Maritime Journey: While at sea, containers are stacked high on the decks of cargo ships, where they face the full force of marine weather conditions. Storms, high winds, and towering waves can test the limits of even the sturdiest containers. The constant movement and shifting of cargo can lead to abrasions, structural stress, and, in extreme cases, the collapse of container stacks.
Port Operations: The process of unloading containers at ports can be hazardous. Time pressures and the high-paced environment can lead to rushed operations, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Containers may be dropped, struck by other equipment, or improperly handled, leading to immediate damage and long-term wear.
Unloading and Return: Finally, the unloading of cargo at the consignee's premises and the return of empty containers present additional opportunities for damage. Carelessness, lack of proper equipment, or hurried operations can result in damage to the container's doors, floors, and walls. The cycle of wear and tear concludes with the return of the container, where neglect and failure to repair damages can leave it in a diminished state for its next journey.

Understanding these vulnerabilities is the first step in mitigating the risks and ensuring the safety of cargo and the workers who handle shipping containers. Through a combination of proper maintenance, skilled handling, and adherence to safety protocols, the industry can safeguard these vital assets.

Types of Shipping Container Damage

Structural Damages

Though seemingly minor, bulges and scratches can compromise a container's structural integrity and weatherproofing capabilities. Repeated stress, accidental collisions, and mishandling can cause these superficial damages that, if left unattended, can lead to more serious issues.

Fractures, cracks, and tears are more severe and often result from significant impacts or continuous wear and tear. They can threaten the structural integrity of the container, making it unsafe for use. Fractures and cracks in the container's frame or panels can jeopardize the safety of the cargo, especially if the container is exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

Holes in shipping containers are particularly concerning as they expose the cargo to external elements, increasing the risk of damage or theft. Holes can result from severe impacts, corrosion, or failure to maintain the container properly.

Environmental Damages

Continuous exposure to moisture, saltwater, and environmental pollutants can lead to corrosion and rust, particularly in older containers. This type of damage weakens the container's metal, reducing its lifespan and efficacy in protecting the cargo.

Cargo-Related Damages

Containers carrying hazardous materials are at risk of explosions or leaks if the goods are not declared, handled, or stowed correctly. Such incidents not only cause immediate damage to the container and its cargo but also pose serious health and safety risks to workers and the environment.

Operational Damages

Frequent use and mishandling can lead to door and locking mechanism issues, making it difficult to secure the cargo properly. This can result in delays, increased risk of theft, and potential safety hazards during transport.

Implications for Safety & Operations

Each type of damage has direct implications for the safety of workers and the efficiency of cargo operations. Depending on the extent of damage, it can lead to catastrophic failures, putting workers at risk of serious injury or death. Mitigating these risks involves regular inspections, prompt repairs, and adherence to handling guidelines, particularly for containers carrying dangerous goods. Additionally, investing in training for workers on the proper handling and storage of containers can significantly reduce the occurrence of damage.

The Vessels Needed for Shipping Containers

An added risk comes from accommodating as many shipping containers as possible, which has led to the use of much larger vessels. There are serious safety risks that come with the sheer size required for modern shipping container vessels. If anything goes wrong, these massive ships can quickly cause serious collisions that endanger crew members aboard and any vessels or structures they hit.

Even something as seemingly innocuous as the power going out for a short while (at least compared to an explosion or fire) can quickly cause tragedy, such as in loss-of-propulsion accidents. The devastation this can cause was recently seen in the collision of the Dali with the Key Bridge in Baltimore, when a shipping container vessel crashed into the bridge, causing it to collapse while a construction crew and vehicles were on it.

Shipping containers and the vessels needed to convey them demand that companies uphold strict safety measures, in everything from timely equipment maintenance and repairs to refueling practices, worker training, and more. This is not only for the safety of the crew, but also for the ships and structures they have to safely navigate past.

Injuries to Workers

The physical integrity of shipping containers is not just a matter of protecting the goods they carry; it's fundamentally about safeguarding the people who handle them throughout their journey. Workers in the shipping and logistics sector are on the front lines, directly interacting with these massive steel boxes under various conditions. Unfortunately, the damages these containers sustain can lead to a spectrum of injuries among workers, ranging from minor incidents to catastrophic accidents that can alter lives forever.

Common Shipping Container Injuries & Their Causes

The most prevalent injuries among dockworkers, truck drivers, and warehouse staff, musculoskeletal injuries stem from the manual handling of goods and equipment. Lifting, moving, and securing containers and their contents can strain muscles and joints, leading to chronic pain and disabilities. These injuries often result from handling damaged containers that may not align properly, have jammed doors, or have shifted cargo that requires extra force to manage.

Sharp edges from fractured or cracked containers can easily slice skin, causing cuts and lacerations that range from superficial to deep wounds. The risk is exacerbated when workers are in a hurry or if visibility is low, such as during night operations or in poorly lit areas of a ship or yard.

Containers damaged in transit may leak hazardous chemicals, posing significant health risks to workers such as chemical burns and inhalation injuries. Burns from corrosive substances, inhalation of toxic fumes, and long-term exposure to harmful materials can have devastating effects on health, often requiring immediate medical intervention.

Perhaps the most harrowing consequences arise from structural failures or accidents during container handling. Collapse of improperly secured container stacks, falling containers due to mishandling, or accidents involving the heavy machinery used to move them can result in crush injuries or fatalities. These incidents emphasize the critical importance of container integrity and proper handling procedures.

The impact of these injuries extends beyond the immediate physical harm. Workers may face long recovery periods, loss of income, and, in severe cases, permanent disability that ends their careers. The psychological toll on injured workers and their families, as well as on their colleagues who witness such accidents, can be profound.

Proactive Measures for Injury Prevention

Education and Training: Comprehensive training programs that emphasize safe handling practices, proper use of machinery, and awareness of potential hazards can significantly reduce the risk of shipping container injury. Simulations, safety drills, and continuous education on the latest safety protocols are essential.
Equipment and Environment: Investing in quality safety equipment, maintaining machinery, and ensuring that work environments are well-lit and free from unnecessary obstructions can prevent accidents. Regular inspections to identify risks and immediate corrective actions are crucial.
Health Monitoring and Support: Regular health checks, access to medical advice, and psychological support can help workers manage the physical and mental stresses of their roles. Early intervention in the case of injuries and comprehensive rehabilitation programs are vital for recovery.
Reporting and Learning: Encouraging a culture where workers feel safe to report accidents and near-misses without fear of retribution can provide valuable insights into preventing future incidents. Analyzing accidents to understand their root causes and implementing lessons learned across the industry can drive improvements in safety standards.

Protecting Logistics & Shipping Workers

The safety of workers handling shipping containers is an issue that requires constant vigilance, a commitment to workplace safety, and an industry-wide culture that prioritizes human life above profits and productivity. The industry depends on shipping containers to safeguard goods, but it's the thorough efforts to prevent worker injuries that are crucial for its sustainability. By focusing on safety, training, and preventive measures, we can greatly reduce the dangers posed by damaged containers. This approach will only strengthen global trade by emphasizing the well-being of its workers.