Slip on stairs
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 June 2003
- Generated on 8 July 2026
- IMCA SF 05/03
- 2 minute read
A Member reports that an able seaman slipped on an external stairway and fell heavily on his elbow, injuring himself.
What happened?
He had been washing down and had cleared away his bucket before heading down to the mess room. The stairway had a handrail on either side, but he used neither. The treads on the stair were in good condition and well painted, but were wet and the surface was quite smooth. One of his feet slipped forward and he fell backwards onto the stairs.
Lessons learnt:
The company involved has noted the immediate cause of the accident as the slippery stair treads, which it has noted can be fixed by applying a good coat of non-skid paint and ensuring it remains ‘non-skid’.
In addition, the company has expressed concern as to why the able seaman did not hold on to the handrails provided. He was experienced, had been trained and was well aware that ships are continuously moving. The company notes contributory factors in this incident as being poor judgement, lack of concentration and inadequate reinforcement of critical safe behaviours. The company has undertaken to address these behavioural issues through training, awareness-raising initiatives, advanced safety auditing and regular safety meetings.
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.