Duty of Care

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, two contractors performing maintenance and repair work at Norfolk International Terminals’ South Berth were involved in an accident. Emergency crews responded, and both workers were taken to local hospitals.

On Friday, September 25, the Port of Virginia confirmed that both individuals had died. The contractors worked for McLean Contracting Co., based in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Officials have not publicly released details about what caused the accident. McLean Contracting said it was withholding the names of the two employees out of respect for their families.

Mike Hart, president and CEO of McLean Contracting, said the company was devastated and was cooperating with OSHA and other authorities. The Port of Virginia expressed condolences and acknowledged police, International Longshoremen’s Association members, and first responders who assisted.

For maritime and terminal crews, maintenance on the berth can combine fall, struck-by, and energy hazards. Treat repair work with the same rigor as cargo operations: brief the job, control energy, keep exclusion zones clear, and stop if conditions are not confirmed.

• WTKR News 3