ICHCA data highlights deadly risks in cargo handling

New analysis from the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) is sounding the alarm on the biggest dangers facing port and terminal workers.

Firstly, the data comes from ICHCA’s Severe Risks Dashboard, which examines nearly 500 serious incidents involving shore-side workers over the past 25 years. The goal? To help the industry recognize where the real risks lie, and reduce fatalities on the job.

The findings are eye-opening:

• Risks are almost evenly split between onboard ships and dockside.
• About 75% of incidents happened during cargo operations.
• Being crushed by cargo is the top cause of death.
• Vehicle and pedestrian collisions come a close second, making up 23% of fatal cases.
• Falls from height and work in confined spaces also rank high.

Moreover, ICHCA’s research points to long-standing hazards that continue to threaten lives in terminals worldwide. The group says the industry needs to go beyond compliance and focus on how work is actually done, not just how it’s written in the manuals.

“Raising awareness of these incidents and their root causes is key,” said Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA. “We believe protecting workers should be the top priority for every operator and authority involved in cargo handling.”

Additionally, the Dashboard doesn’t just highlight problems. It also outlines steps to prevent them. These include:

• Re-testing safety controls to ensure they’re strong and still relevant.
• Making sure procedures match real-world conditions on the ground.
• Engaging workers and stakeholders to drive practical, lasting safety improvements.

Lastly, Steele stressed that safe operations are also smart business. “Sustainable companies are safe companies. We don’t have to wait for change, we can act now,” he said.

ICHCA’s ongoing work in tracking high-risk incidents is part of its broader mission to create safer, healthier workplaces across the global cargo supply chain.

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