Real Life Incident: Fall From Low Height On Ship Still Consequential

A vessel was underway at sea and crew were undertaking normal maintenance. One person, assisted by another, was to replace a limit switch on the provisions crane. The limit switch was on the crane post approximately two metres above the deck. A ladder had to be used and the work was thus approximately 0.8m over the deck (i.e. on the third step of the ladder) – which is still work at height. While one worker was away fetching tools, the other worker went up the ladder and tried to check something on the switches. While descending the ladder he tripped and fell to the deck.

The crew were alerted and the victim was transferred to the bridge deck for treatment. The victim’s shoulder was dislocated and he was in pain. The next day the victim was sent to a shore hospital and was repatriated several days later.Lessons learned

• Working at height, but a low height, can be an insidious danger. It can be an accident waiting to happen if you let your guard down. Falling from a low height can still have serious consequences, as this report illustrates.
• Irrespective of height, ladders should be secured in place. For low heights, a safety attendant should be on deck behind the worker.