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Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 13-09
Issued: 4th March 2013 Subject: Gangway Safety
Recently there have been a number of incidents and near misses reported by base staff involving vessels gangways. Whilst none of these have resulted in any serious injuries, it is only a matter of time before they do. These incidents and near misses range from improperly rigged gangways and safety nets through to poor housekeeping standards with tripping hazards left on the gangway.

1. A stevedore was injured when his leg made contact with a protruding securing pin.

Securing pin for bulwark door protruding from its socket

Puncture wound to stevedores leg

2. A poorly positioned and designed bulwark ladder led to a stevedore
slipping and falling due to the excessively steep angle. The design of the ship does not help due to the limited deck space at the top of the gangway. The incident was made worse by the presence of slack guard ropes, resulting in the stevedore having nothing to grab on to as he fell.

Note the excessively steep bulwark ladder and also the slack guard ropes and loose stanchions

3. Recently sighted bad practice has included obstructions on the gangway in the shape of carelessly placed lifting
bridles and lifting strops left hanging over guard ropes, reducing their effective height.

Potential trip hazard from lifting bridle

Lifting bridle left hanging over the guard ropes

The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the purposes of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.