The UK P&I Club has analysed in detail about the effects of slips, trips and falls overboard and their consequence. It is not only about loss of money or damage to the ship. It’s more about the pain and suffering of people who have been injured or even killed, because they have slipped, tripped or fallen aboard ship.
Here the club explains a methodology to prevent such losses aboard.
Slips: Where and how can it happen?
- Slippery mooring decks on the forecastle or poop.
- While handling ropes around drum ends
- Greasy and liquid spilt decks.
How to control?
- Use of non-slip paint or simple expedient of stirring sand into deck coatings incase non slip paint is unavailable.
- Well organised housekeeping procedures.
- Sensible seamanship for individuals.
Hazard of Trips:
Trip hazards are very common on
- Obstructions like ring bolts, lugs or sills
- Inadequate lighting around obstructions.
- Non-familiar ships
How to prevent?
- Highlighting areas of hazard with a bright colour paint.
Fall: When can this happen?
- In the absence of guard rails.
- In the absence of adequate lighting on ladders and gangways.
- In the absence of usage of personal protective clothing.
How to prevent falls?
- Always hold guard rails for better balance.
- Use approved harnesses available while working at height, or down hatches, or close to the ship’s side when railings are removed.
- People doing hazardous tasks must be properly briefed in a ‘toolbox talk’, before they get on with the job.
- Always wear personal protective clothing.
Bowtie methodology
Source: UK P&I
