Person injured going down ladder
- Safety Flash
- Published on 22 January 2024
- Generated on 13 June 2026
- IMCA SF 02/24
- 2 minute read
A person was descending the fixed ladder of a carousel manhole lost his footing and fell approximately 87 cm.
What happened?
A person was descending the fixed ladder of a carousel manhole. He lost his footing on the last three rungs, approximately 87 cm from the flooring. Falling backward, his helmet came off, and his head struck the edge of a steel structure and he was injured. Immediate medical attention was provided on board by the ship’s medic. A follow-up medical assessment was subsequently organized ashore, where he received stitches.
Possible causes (as indicated by the member)
- Inattention: Misjudgement of the remaining steps while descending the ladder contributed to the slip.
- Improper PPE Use: The IP did not properly secure the chinstrap of his safety helmet, causing it to fall off during the incident.
- Inadequate Working Environment: Poor lighting at the bottom of the carousel manhole may have contributed to the incident.
- Lack of Signage: No signage was present to indicate the mandatory use of safety harnesses for work in the carousel’s manhole.
Position on ladder
Height of ladder
Where the injured person landed (red star)
Actions
- Improved lighting in the area.
- Be aware of your working environment and keep a focus when you are moving – watch out for complacency.
- Ensure that all PPE, especially the helmet, is worn and secured correctly.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 31/20
10 November 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 12/22
12 May 2022
-
IMCA SF 19/16
12 July 2016
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.