Safe Practices to Prevent Falls Overboard
Equipment
- Provide flashlights to all employees working on deck. This helps employees see clearly in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of tripping or stepping too close to the edge.
- Protect duck ponds (line, netting, etc.). Barriers like netting prevent accidental entry into dangerous areas, lowering the chance of falling into the water.
- Provide head lights to all employees working on deck. Headlights allow workers to keep both hands free while still having clear vision, which improves safety during nighttime or low-visibility work.
- Wherever possible, provide non-skid deck paint on walking surfaces. Non-skid surfaces reduce the likelihood of slips, especially in wet or icy conditions, which helps prevent falls.
- Paint the perimeter of barges with a contrasting color. A clearly marked edge helps workers stay aware of their distance from the edge, especially in poor visibility or during high activity.
- Paint all tripping hazards (hatches, face wire leads, bitts, cavils/kevels, etc.) with a contrasting color. Highlighting these hazards visually alerts workers, helping them avoid tripping that could lead to a fall overboard.
- During ice or snow conditions, use "spikies" (ice cleats). Ice cleats give workers better traction, preventing slips on icy decks that could result in falling overboard.
- Consider providing safety harnesses where necessary. Harnesses can arrest a fall and keep the worker on deck, preventing serious injury or drowning.
- Provide "glow lights" or flashing lights to wear on hard hats at night. These lights improve visibility of crew members, helping others to locate them and maintain safe distances in dark conditions.
- Provide specially developed barge ladder. A secure ladder allows safe access between the barge and other surfaces, reducing the risk of slipping or falling during transfers.
Training
- Magnetize "S.A.F.E. (Stay Alert for the Edge) Decks" brochure to display in doghouse/galley. Posting this brochure keeps safety tips visible and reinforces awareness among workers every day.
- Include fall overboard prevention as topic of discussion at new hire training. Early training builds good habits and awareness from the start, reducing future fall risks.
- Include fall overboard prevention as topic at periodic vessel safety meeting. Regular discussion reinforces the importance of fall prevention and allows crews to stay updated on best practices.
- Conduct periodic fall overboard drills. Drills prepare workers to respond quickly and correctly during an actual fall, which can save lives.
- Utilize fall overboard video instruction. Videos demonstrate correct behaviors visually, which can improve learning and memory of fall prevention techniques.
- Display fall overboard prevention poster. Posters serve as constant reminders of safe practices, helping to keep fall prevention top of mind for all crew members.
Real Life Accident
An employee was standing on a barge with a coworker, waiting for a personnel basket to land on the barge. He was holding a small sheet of plywood. He stepped back, stumbled on a board, and fell over the side of the barge into 12 feet of water. He was not wearing a life vest. Rescue attempts by his coworkers with a life ring failed and he drowned.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-7. What new equipment feature would best improve visibility and safety at night on deck?
You forgot to answer the question!