STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING NOV 2013 - SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS | Page 7

GLOBAL SHARING MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – DEC. 2013 – SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS

SHORE STAFF SLIPS – SEES SURGEON
WHAT HAPPENED –

On 16th May 2013, an employee of the company slipped and fractured
his right arm whilst trying to board a boat from the jetty board ladder at Tanjung Balai. It was drizzling and the
tide was low.

WHY DID IT HAPPEN –. The ladder steps were slippery due bad

weather. The footwear
worn by the injured person was probably not skid-free. It is not known if the IP was holding any hand rails, light
was sufficient.

LESSON LEARNED –

1. Ensure correct and suitable PPE is worn when on site
visits or during marine operations.
2. Implement Safety culture in the company to remind people to exercise all operational
activities with caution and to not become complacent. Shore staff should lead by
example when visiting vessels.
3. Pay Extra caution during and after rainy/ bad weather
4..First Aid and Emergency Procedures to be in place to handle accidents safely and
efficiently.

PROACTIVE PEOPLE PREVENT PROBLEMS
WHAT HAPPENED –

The gangway was moved to the bow of the vessel due to ongoing cargo
operations. At this location, there is a steep angle for transitioning from the vessel to the gangway. The Chief
Engineer observed a dockworker with muddy boots slip while transitioning from the vessel to the gangway, no
injury occurred. The 1AE was instructed to get abrasive (Scot grip) pads for footing areas and the Captain
notified the Bosun to install the abrasive pads on all steps in the transition area.

WHAT WAS DONE –. Slip, trip, and fall hazards can happen anywhere at any time. The best
way to mitigate these hazards is for all crewmembers to be diligent and on the lookout for areas of concern.
Situational awareness of your surroundings is key. If you notice a possible hazard, please report it ASAP. In
addition, proper care for your personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary. Your PPE should be cleaned
and well maintained before and after each use. Remember to check your PPE and make sure that it is still “fit
for duty,” as wear can occur overtime which can decrease the effectiveness. Have a safe and productive day.

MESSAGE TO INDUSTRY –

Inspection routines of gangways and boarding
ladders should be evaluated and appropriate control measures implemented to ensure
their safe use during all stages of cargo operations.

MURKY MUD MESSES MATE
WHAT HAPPENED –

A chief officer carried out ballast tank inspection during the vessel has
heavy rolling. When the chief officer checked inclined side wall, he fell on his buttocks due to vessel rolling the
opposite direction and wet mud condition of bottom. At that time, his flashlight was low battery condition so he
used dimed flashlight. And he had worn working shoes instead of non-slip boots. He was given first aid on
board and moved to the hospital for an additional treatment at next port.

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN –.Lack of a safety consciousness and worker’s carelessness
1) He was competent chief officer with many years’ experience. So he knew well the structure and condition of
ballast tank. That is why he ignored safety procedure for entry of enclosed area. He no checked his flashlight
condition prior to entry. And he had worn working shoes instead of non-slip boots.
All crew who into the enclosed space, must be checked one’s safety equipment conditions are proper
operating.
And
excessive
self-confidence
makes
lose
one’s
safety
consciousness.
2) Where the weather condition does not permit to inspect the ballast tank, the ballast tank inspection had to
be postponed..

MESSAGE TO INDUSTRY –

Some well experienced crews tend to
overestimate their ability and their experiences. Company should educate crews that
they should not work on their ability only but on a proper company procedure through an
internal training, safety seminars and etc.

“SEEN IT, DONE IT 100 TIMES, WHAT COULD BE NEW THIS TIME?” GUESS WHAT!!!
AN ACCIDENT IS WAITING TO HAPPEN AND WITH THIS ATTITUDE, YOU ARE NEXT.
29 November 2013

A Shell Marine Contractors Safety Initiative

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