Slips and trips

Over a quarter of all reportable accidents at ports are due to slips or trips. Slips and trips can be serious, resulting in broken or dislocated bones and long periods off work. They should not be accepted  as ‘one of those things’. Simple steps can often be taken to prevent them happening.

Typical  slip and trip hazards in ports

• Working on uneven, wet or icy surfaces on loads
• Badly stowed ropes, cables, container lashing gear and other equipment
• Use of aluminium chequerplate surfaces on walkways and access steps when wet
• Discarded packaging and pallets

How the risks can be reduced

• Maintain floors, steps and walkways in good condition. On ships beware of oil spillages, spilt bulk cargo and trip hazards across walkways. Where a vessel is a frequent visitor, work with the Master to make sure trip hazards are painted a conspicuous colour
• Select suitable footwear for the task. Try out different types of footwear to see which provides most slip-resistance for the environments employees will be working in. Remember that ‘oil resistant’ has nothing to do with slip resistance.
  • See: Procuring slip-resistant footwear for use at work
• Good housekeeping - encourage a ‘see it, sort it’ culture to keep work areas tidy. Provide  storage bins for lifting gear. Report and follow up where a work area has been left untidy by employees from other companies. Have procedures for dealing with ice and snow.
• Try to avoid the need to carry large or heavy objects over slippery surfaces - these can obscure a person’s view and prevent them catching their fall if they do slip. Where it can’t be avoided, plan the lift.
• Provide adequate lighting

Further information

• Publications and guidance - Slips and trips

What law applies?

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• Loading and Unloading of Fishing Vessels Regulations 1988
• Docks Regulations 1988