Once or twice a month, a crew member falls down the stairs or a ladder. By taking a couple of measures, such as using markings and anti-slip and making use hands are free, the chance of accidents is reduced.
When a crew member falls down the stairs or a ladder, this often results in an injury. Therefore, Platform Zero Incidents highlights what is good and bad practice when it comes to using stairwells and ladders on board in a recent Safety Flash.
Good Practice
- Use markings and anti-slip
- Make sure the area is well lit
- Make sure ladders are secured
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Keep hands are free to be able to hold the ladder with two hands (use backpack)
- Decent facing towards the stairs
- Do an LMRA (Last Minute Risk Assessment), check if the steps are safe to use, also when going on or from board
Bad Practice
- Materials on the steps
- Dirty steps; pay extra attention to quay side stairs that can be slippery because of algae or ice
- Ladders/stair in bad shape (dirty, broken, damaged)
- Both hands are not free (carrying something)
Picture by US Navy.
