Seven injured in crane accident at Imabari Shipbuilding
Crane Accident Injures Seven at Japan's Largest Shipyard
A serious crane accident at Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan’s largest shipyard, left seven workers injured, three of whom sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, shortly after 11:00 AM local time, when a ship block fell from a crane within the operational area of the yard. Emergency services reported that all injured individuals are now in stable condition after being transported to a local hospital.
Details of the Incident
The crane accident at Imabari Shipbuilding resulted in significant injuries among workers, with three individuals suffering serious fractures to their arms and hips. In addition to the three seriously injured, four other workers, along with a bystander, received treatment for less severe injuries. Emergency responders acted quickly to ensure all victims were taken to a hospital, where they are reported to be conscious and stable.
This accident adds to the challenges faced by Imabari Shipbuilding, which has been under scrutiny due to regulatory concerns. Earlier this year, the company was found to have committed numerous labor and safety violations, leading to a five-year recruitment ban imposed by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. This ban prevents the company from hiring or training foreign technical trainees, a significant setback given that over 2,000 foreign workers, primarily from Southeast Asia, were previously relocated due to these violations.
Investigation Underway
In response to the crane incident, the Ehime Prefectural Government has sent investigators to the site to determine the cause of the crane malfunction and ensure compliance with Japan’s rigorous occupational safety standards. Preliminary investigations suggest that equipment failure may be a contributing factor, though the possibility of human error is still being explored.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the crane and safety protocols within the facility. This incident raises further questions about Imabari Shipbuilding’s commitment to maintaining safe working conditions amid ongoing regulatory challenges. As investigations unfold, the focus will be on preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring the safety of all workers at the shipyard.
