Even something as simple as a wet bathroom floor can be a hazard on board. A crew member recently slipped after going to the toilet and had to be sent ashore for medical attention.
A crew member had gone to the common toilet. After stepping out from the cubicle, he slipped on the wet floor. As he fell backwards, his head hit the handle of the cubicle door and he fell unconscious.
Shortly after the incident, another crew member saw the victim sitting in a dazed state on the floor and noticed substantial amounts of blood. As the victim did not respond to questions, the assisting crew member raised the alarm. The injured man was helped out of the bathroom and first aid was administered. He was then sent to shore hospital for further medical attention.
Lessons Learned
- Keep washroom floors clean and dry.
- Some lounge shoes or "flip-flops" have very slippery soles when wet. These should not be used in areas that are likely to become damp.
Mars Reports
This is one of the April Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 201926, that are part of Report Number 318. A selection of this Report has also been published in SWZ|Maritime’s May issue.
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form and send it to mars@nautinst.org.
