April 2016: Editor's comment

 

 

 

April marks the beginning of the second quarter of 2016 – and we would like to continue in the vein of our complementary initiative to invigorate discussions on safety and lessons learned. The first of these ‘concentrated campaigns’ (January-March) was Learning Through Safety Meetings. For April through June we would like to hear from you on Slips-Trips-Falls.

Of course, we are always on the lookout for your reports of other near misses or accidents; please keep those coming! But in the next few months we would especially like to hear from you, in your own words, about any slips, trips or falls that have occurred on your ship and any risk reduction that was subsequently undertaken. Please send us your reports on Slips-Trips-Falls to [email protected]

On the theme of Slips-Trips-Falls, readers may remember the MARS report below from September 2015. A very mundane accident that brings to light hazards that are right under our nose. This teaches us that we should always have our ‘safety eyes’ on – continuously on the lookout for hazards in plain view.

While an oiler was on his usual rounds and near the air compressor the internal telephone system sounded. He quickly proceeded towards the engine control room to answer the call; as he stepped on the insulation mat in front of the main air compressor breaker panel the mat slipped under foot and he fell. After examination it was determined that his shoulder had become dislocated.

The company investigated the incident and has since removed the mat from service as the underside was worn and not gripping properly. All other mats have been checked for their grip and wear.

Editor’s comment: This incident is a good example of how consequences are not really a good indication of risk – and that even such a mundane event as this should be reported and investigated regardless of the consequences. In the case at hand, the consequences were moderate (dislocated shoulder). They could have been less (no injury) or much worse (hit his head and died). Only happenstance has intervened to make the outcome what it was. Would you have reported this incident had there been no serious consequences?