Worker fell into sea from gangway and drowned

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 30 January 2020
  • Generated on 2 December 2024
  • IMCA SF 03/20
  • 1 minute read

The Singapore Tripartite Alliance for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) has published Accident Notification 1920060 relating to a fatal fall from a gangway.  This incident is still under investigation.

What happened?

On 23 October 2019 around 5 pm, a worker embarking onto a launch boat from a vessel gangway lost his balance and fell into the sea.

The body of the worker was subsequently found in the sea. 

Figure 1: Photo of the vessel and its gangway

Figure 1: Photo of the vessel and its gangway

Figure 2: Photo of the launch boat

Figure 2: Photo of the launch boat

Actions

The WSH makes a number of recommendations including:

  • Pre-embarkation briefing.
  • Ensuring workers are physically fit for the transfer.
  • Ensuring transfer takes place in favourable conditions.
  • Ensuring all are properly briefed on safe use of gangways.
  • Ensuring that there is sufficient and appropriate supervision of transfers.
  • Wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

A fuller treatment of the incident is available here. 

Members may wish to refer to:

  • Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures (IMCA HSS025)

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