Safe Practices to Prevent Falls Overboard
Policies/Practices
To reduce the risk of falls overboard, it is important for all crew members to follow safe practices and company policies. These guidelines are designed to help workers stay alert, maintain good communication, and use proper techniques while working on or around barges and tows. The following practices must be followed to help prevent falls overboard and ensure the safety of everyone on board.
- Avoid walking on the outboard edges of the barges in a tow except. Outboard edges are exposed, unstable, and increase the risk of slipping or being thrown off balance. Staying away from these edges reduces the chance of going overboard.
- Carry loads on the outside shoulder to walk on the outboard gunwale (gunnel). Carrying a load on the outside shoulder keeps the inner hand free for balance or holding something, and helps maintain better footing and stability.
- Announce known "bumps" and brace yourself. Unexpected movement of the vessel or tow can catch someone off-guard, causing them to lose balance and fall. Warning others and bracing reduces the chance of a fall.
- Never walk the notch. The notch (gap between barges) is a high-risk zone where footing is uncertain and the risk of falling is much greater. Avoiding it helps ensure safe transit.
- Do not step on manholes/hatches. Manholes/hatches may be unstable, slippery, or not rated for walking. Stepping on them can cause a slip or collapse, leading to a fall overboard.
- Make sure manholes/hatches are closed. An open hatch creates a tripping hazard and a fall risk; closing them ensures the walking surface is continuous and secure.
- Notify the pilothouse any time someone goes on the tow. The pilothouse must know who is on deck and where they are. This enhances communication and makes rescue efforts more effective if something does go wrong.
- Use the "buddy system" while on a tow. Maintain visual contact while on a tow. Working alone increases risk because no one is watching; a buddy provides additional supervision and assistance, increasing the chance a risk will be noticed before it becomes a fall overboard event.
- Discuss all known hazards with the off-going watch. Sharing hazard information on hazards (duck ponds, notches, etc.) ensures everyone is aware of dangerous zones before walking the tow. It prevents surprises and ensures safer operations.
- Shovel/sweep all dry cargo spilled on deck. Loose cargo creates slip and trip hazards, especially on moving surfaces. Cleaning it up removes those hazards and reduces the chance of a crew member losing footing and going overboard.
- Turn on lights when someone has to go outside the vessel after dark. Working in the dark without lighting increases the chance of missing hazards, misstepping, or falling. Lighting ensures safer movement during low-visibility conditions.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-4. Why should a load be carried on the outside shoulder when walking the outboard gunwale?
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