Commonly used models of accidents at work have been presented. A quantitative analysis of accidents at the port of Szczecin (frequency, seriousness, accident rate) has been carried out for the years 1996 – 2000. A detailed quantitative and qualitative anal-ysis has been carried out for accidents during cargo-handling operations. On the basis of the estimated occupational hazard, employees’ safety has been assessed. A model card of occupational hazard assessment for cargo-handling places has been suggested.