202420: Shortcut is a safety slip

The vessel was at anchor. In the early morning hours a crew member went on deck to check the anchor’s condition. Instead of taking the known recommended route on the starboard side, known as ‘the safe way to the bow’, he chose the shorter port side option. This route went via a ramp that led up and over some deck piping.

While crossing the deck ramp, he slipped on the damp surface, lost his balance and fell to the deck from a height of around one metre. The victim complained of a sore left elbow, which had taken the brunt of the fall, and was given first aid. Later that day he was sent ashore for medical attention.

 

The company investigation found that he was not holding the handrail of the ramp while crossing. Also, his choice of routes, using the shorter port side option instead of the starboard ‘safe way to the bow’, increased the chances of an accident or incident.

Lessons learned

• Shortcuts are rarely the safest option, but they are often taken, especially for mundane tasks, as we feel we are in control and that nothing could happen. But it does.
• Stairs and ramps require three points of contact for a safe passage.