Slippery Steps

A vessel was recently loading a gaseous chemical cargo in a U.S. Gulf port. As part of the normal practice of the operation, a surveyor was onboard the vessel to calculate the amount of cargo loaded on this port call. Whilst this surveyor was moving from the accommodation to the cargo deck he slipped and fell whilst negotiating a ladder from the raised poop deck to the main deck. As a consequence of this fall, the surveyor s uffered a broken arm and a fractured rib. The surveyor claimed he fell due to the steps being slippery and that non-slip paint had not been applied to the steps or deck in the immediate vicinity of the ladder concerned. The vessel counter claimed that he slipped and fell as both of his hands were full of equipment and he was unable to support himself whilst descending the ladder on the handrails provided.

Conclusion

The accident is possibly due to the failure of the vessel to provide safe access around the ship, particularly in areas where an accident may potentially happen or because the surveyor was not properly escorted and assisted in his movements about the vessel, thus ensuring his safety.

Recommendations

All vessels should: -

Check that non-slip paint is applied to vulnerable areas such as stairways on vessel's walkways, top and bottom of external ladders and their steps, mooring stations and other vulnerable areas. If this non-slip paint is applied and not effective then it should be reapplied.

Visitors to vessels should be escorted around the vessel and be assisted, where necessary, to carry their belongings, particularly where they need to use their hands for support whilst climbing or descending ladders.

Particular attention to these matters should be given when the vessel is in U.S. ports, given the legal system in that country where claims for injury can result in very high awards by the Courts.

Accidents to third party visitors onboard the vessel should be reported to the office in the usual manner in order t o mitigate legal claims against the vessel and her owners.

Answer the questions

1. What's the previous port of call?

2. What's a surveyor's duty onboard the vessel?

3. What injuries did a surveyor get?

4. When did he slip and fall?

5. What did a surveyor claim?

6. Why couldn't he support himself?

7. What conclusion has been made by experts?

8. Where should non-slip paint be applied onboard the vessel?

9. How should visitors to a vessel be treated?

10. Why do the USA ports pay special attention to these matters?