The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued Safety Bulletin ED03-2025 highlighting the risks linked to unplanned retraction (auto-retraction) of motion compensated gangways (MCGs).
Such incidents pose a significant threat to offshore personnel, with the potential to cause falls, impact injuries, or even fatalities. This bulletin is directed at offshore installation duty holders, vessel operators, windfarm operators, and contractors, urging immediate review and corrective measures.
Risks Associated with Unplanned Gangway Retraction
Unplanned or auto-retraction of gangways can occur due to power failure or control system errors. The absence of adequate advance warning creates hazardous conditions, as workers may not have enough time to move to safety or brace themselves.
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Potential consequences include:
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Personnel falling onto or off the gangway.
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Workers being struck by moving parts.
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Serious injuries or fatalities due to falls from height.
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Current warning systems that activate only when retraction begins (e.g., alarms triggered at the same time as retraction) are insufficient, as they do not provide users enough time to react.
Industry Guidance and Required Actions
Previous guidance from HSE (ED02-2024), G+/IMCA workshops, and DNV industry standards all stress the importance of early audible and visible warnings before auto-retraction. Despite these, unsafe gangways are still in use.
Duty holders must act by:
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Reviewing existing gangway systems to ensure sufficient early warning mechanisms are in place.
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Stopping the use of gangways that can auto-retract without warning until adequate controls are implemented.
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Conducting robust technical risk assessments covering all operational states where auto-retraction could occur.
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Ensuring override functions by operators are carefully risk assessed to avoid relying solely on human intervention.
These steps are essential to align with industry best practices and reduce foreseeable risks.
The continued use of gangways lacking proper warning systems before auto-retraction presents a serious, avoidable hazard in offshore oil, gas, and renewable operations. Duty holders and operators must act urgently to review and upgrade systems, implement early warning alarms, and carry out thorough risk assessments. Proactive compliance will not only meet regulatory expectations but also safeguard the lives of offshore workers.
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Source: Marine Safety Forum
