Slips, Trips & Falls

October 2016
Notes for Guidance
What the Engagement Pack includes
• Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion
• Questions the supervisor can ask the group
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a
meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of
experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes.
Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a
group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a
table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the
supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes
are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read
word for word.
Preparing for an Engagement Session
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise
themselves with the content and it’s purpose. Make sure there is
enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.
Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016
Who is to be Engaged?
For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in
marine operations.
Where?
Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where
they will not be disturbed. The vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet
area in a workshop would be suitable.
When to hold the Engagement
Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when
they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This
will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much
longer.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills
training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS
NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on
board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to
commence their work. The rate of learning is more
important than completing the pack so allow two or more
sessions if necessary.
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Personal Behaviour

Resilience

Worn out soles Incorrect

Worn out soles Together we are stronger footwear
Incorrect
Sourced footwear
from: UK P&I Club

No appropriate
picture found yet

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Personal Behaviour

The main issues:

• Distractions when completing task on the vessels
Key message: Adopt a resilient mind
• Allowing personal and professional issues to interfere with thought
processes during the course of the day.
• Feel tired and not rested before starting a task or moving around the vessel Discussion points:
• Incorrect work attire i.e. worn out soles on footwear
1. In what ways can personal behaviour contribute to slips, trips and
falls?
Processes: 2. How can we adapt our behaviour to prevent the occurrence of
Always slips, trips & falls?
• Focus on the task at hand i.e. avoid distractions
• Be alert when moving around the ship as events can change without prior
warning
• Adopt an open and resilient mind that can help you cope with changes
around the ship
• Discard footwear with worn out soles or other damages i.e. holes

Ensure
• Adequate amount of sleep during your allocated rest hours
• Take care of yourself to ensure you are both mentally and physically fit I.e.
eating healthy, reducing caffeine consumption and smoking
• Safety boots have slip-resistant soles and heels

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Obstructions

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Obstructions

The main issues: Key message: Always be alert in order to

• Unmarked obstructions at head height i.e. beams identify obstructions
• Obstruction on walkways
• Complacency around certain obstructions that have been painted over
• Lack of awareness of obstacles around walkways Discussion points:
1. What are the obstructions on board that contribute to slips, trips &
Processes: falls?

Always 2. What steps can be taken to reduce these obstructions leading to

• Move around the vessel with a sharp eye slips, trips & falls?
• Use designated walkways where possible

Ensure
• Obstructions are appropriately marked
• Walkways are clear of clutter or obstructions
• Temporary obstructions such as electrical are clearly marked

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Housekeeping

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Housekeeping

The main issues: Key message: Tidy vessel is a safe vessel

• Unsecured lines and cables
• Inadequate storage of loose equipment
• Loose oil decks plating in machinery spaces
• Spillages Discussion points:
1. In what ways can inadequate housekeeping lead to slips, trips and
Processes: falls?

Always 2. What measures can you take to prevent these accidents from
• Clean spills immediately with appropriate absorbent material occurring?
• Put tools and equipment away after there use
• Cordon off working areas

Ensure
• Loose equipment is stored correctly
• Workshop areas are kept tidy
• Any temporary fittings are clearly highlighted

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Location

No appropriate pictures
found yet

Handrails

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Location

The main issues: Key message: Be aware when moving from

• Access to and from gangways one location to another
• Inadequate lighting i.e. time of day, lack of lighting and shadow areas
• Icy/wet surfaces due to extreme weather conditions or time of day (early
dew) Discussion points:
• Uneven surfaces
1. Discuss the ways extreme weather conditions can lead to slips,
• Lack of consideration when changing from one location to another
trips and falls?
2. What steps can be taken to prevent slips, trip and falls occurring
Processes: this way?
Always
• Inspect gangway before use to ensure it is securely attached to ship
• Maintain three point contact when using stairs
• Use designated stairways and walkways
• Be alert for unsafe weather conditions

Ensure
• The use of a torch light if visibility is impaired due to poor lighting
• Weather conditions are considered when working outside
• Newly painted surfaces have appropriate anti-slip properties
• The work planning includes safe movement to and from work areas

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Remember
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Notes:
• Taking care of ourselves can improve our relationships with Key message: We all want to get home safely
family and friends
• Demonstrating better safety behaviours and choices also
benefits our family, crew, and others too Discussion points:
• Achieving work/life balance is important in keeping the mind and 1. Why is taking care of yourself important for your home life?
body primed to deal with challenging situations
2. How can we set good examples of safety for our friends and
colleagues so that we can all go back safely to our families?

Slips, Trips & Falls – October 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment