Slips, Trips and Falls

HSE Statistics often showed that "falls" account one for every five work injuries in the workplace and in fact, next to automobile injuries, falls kill more people than any kind of accidents. In 2009, over 10,000 people suffered serious injury as a result of Slips, Trips and Falls incidents (Health and Safety Executive.) Slips, trips and falls account for a high percentage of occupational accidents onboard vessels. Vessels are floating platforms that are susceptible to high levels of pitching and rolling movements. wet and slippery deck surfaces; often poorly illuminated compartments and tank spaces; high masts, and bulkheads; moving objects such as cranes, derricks, davits and hatch covers; and the presence of a variety of oils and greases. Thus, this article will tackle the "basics" to avoid this type of accident.

Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls:

 * 1) Pay attention to unsafe act or unsafe conditions that could cause you to slip, trip and fall
 * 2) Always use a ladder, never use a makeshift platform such as boxes, chairs, barrels etc
 * 3) Clean up spills immediately (don’t walk away from spills, if you will leave a spill unattended or get some supply you need to clean it up, block off the area until the spill is cleaned up)
 * 4) Keep walkways/floors clear of all obstacles (from tiny nails to pipes etc), nothing should be left in walkways that someone could slip or trip on them
 * 5) Walk, don’t run
 * 6) Don’t obstruct your vision when walking (make sure you clearly see where you are going at all times)
 * 7) Wear appropriate skid-resistant shoes
 * 8) Always use handrails and take one step at a time when using the stairs
 * 9) Report or correct any hazard, never ignore any unsafe situations/conditions.

References:
Francia Gado