Falling into the Water

January 2016
Notes for Guidance
What the Engagement Pack includes
• Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion
• Questions the supervisor can ask the group
• Risk Level icons to allow the supervisor to label risk situations
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a
meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of
experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes.
Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a
group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a
table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the
supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes
are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read
word for word.
Preparing for an Engagement Session
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise
themselves with the content and it’s purpose. Make sure there is
enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.
Falling into the Water – January 2016
Who is to be Engaged?
For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in
marine operations.
Where?
Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where
they will not be disturbed. The vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet
area in a workshop would be suitable.
When to hold the Engagement
Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when
they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This
will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much
longer.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills
training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS
NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on
board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to
commence their work. The rate of learning is more
important than completing the pack so allow two or more
sessions if necessary.
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Boarding/Disembarkation

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Boarding/Disembarkation

Key message: The process of

The main issues:
• Lack of safe access between vessels, vessel and shore, and vessel and
boarding/disembarking needs to be planned,
offshore installation managed, and supervised
• Boarding/disembarking occurring without notifying vessel staff or facility
staff Discussion points:
• Gangways, ladders, and other means of access not secured and
1. How do you ensure that you will have safe access prior to
constructed in accordance with industry requirements
boarding/disembarking?
Processes: 2. What should you do if you see or suspect access equipment is
Always hazardous?
• Wait until all parties have been notified before commencing personnel
transfers
• Inspect all elements for defects prior to use, including hand rails, surfaces,
and general condition
• Maintain 3 points of contact
Ensure
• Personnel are notified when individuals are present or about to board
• Gangways (fixed and portable) are properly rigged and secured
• Fixed gangways are raised to a safe height when not in use
• All equipment is properly maintained, correctly stowed, and removed or
identified when they become defective

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falling Haz
a rd

Slipping Ha
za rd

Tripping Haza
rd

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Slips, Trips, and Falls

The main issues: Key message: Be mindful of potential hazards

Slips, trips, and falls have potential for Man Over Board (MOB) in your surroundings
• Boarding/disembarking
• Transiting from one location to another while on board
Discussion points:
• Working on outboard edges, and outside the railing
• Lack of situational awareness i.e. unidentified edges and objects, and 1. What controls do you have in place in preventing yourself and
slippery decks, walkways, handrails, and ladders/stairs others from slips, trips, and falls?

Processes: 2. Have you had any near misses? Share with your team.

Always
• Take extra precaution to manage and supervise deck movements when on
vessels without deck railings/ or when working outside the railing
• Maintain housekeeping to reduce risk of slips, trips, and falls on
improperly stowed equipment
• Maintain 3 points of contact when walking up and down stairs
Ensure
• Bright paint is used to identify edges and objects
• Working area is free of obstructions and footing is solid
• Guard rails are adequate and temporary guard rails are in place where
required
• Ladder rungs and decks are properly non-skidded

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Weather/Illumination

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Weather/Illumination

The main issues:

• Unexpected changes in weather conditions Key message: Re-assess work tasks when
• Changing sea conditions insufficiently evaluated when weather conditions change
boarding/disembarking offshore
• Dangerous operating environments such as: Discussion points:
 Freezing water temperature, strong and/or high water currents
1. What action do you need to take when there is a sudden change
Processes: in weather conditions?
Always 2. How do you ensure illumination is sufficient and in proper working
• Use a flashlight during hours of limited visibility – illuminate the deck area order?
rather than step into a shadow
• Stop operation when weather conditions make the continuation of a task
dangerous
• Discuss all known hazards with the off-going watch
Ensure
• A safe position is determined before offshore boarding for the personnel to
wait at until a smooth transfer can take place, and the boat moves away
from the vessel side once the personnel has made the transfer
• Outside deck lights (no burnt- out bulbs) are in good condition and
flashlights have good batteries
• Personnel are aware of possible slippery conditions - alert others
• Ice and built up snow is removed during such conditions

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

The main issues: Key message: Always use a PFD in

• Improper or non-use of personal flotation devices (PFDs)
accordance with regulations
• Insufficient availability of PFDs
• Lack of compliance with regulatory requirements and industry guidance Discussion points:
Processes: 1. When are you required to wear a PFD?
Always 2. How do you decide which type of PFD is to be used?
• Use the PFD with the best protection for the task - Inspect before use 3. What should you look for when inspecting your PFD before use?
• Make sure you have your PFD with you when on a vessel and the general
alarm is sounded (including during an emergency or drill)
Ensure
• A robust inspection regime is in place for all PFD’s – in the case of inflatable life
jackets:
 Ensure indicators are all on green and there is no visible damage, air
cushions are tested, all parts are verified in good condition
• PFD is suitable for the task and persons weight including PPE they might be
wearing
• PFD is the correct size, and fitted and secured correctly
• Life buoys and MOB markers are kept immediately available for emergencies

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family

Remember
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family

Notes:
• Get people to think about their families Key message: We all want to get home safely
• Also think about their circle of friends and close extended
families as not everyone might have immediate family
Discussion points:
1. Why are we important to our family and friends?
2. How can we set good examples of safety for our colleagues so
that we can all go back safely to our families?

Falling into the Water – January 2016 Health, Safety, Security and Environment