Near miss: engine room hatch left open without barriers
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 March 2020
- Generated on 18 October 2025
- IMCA SF 12/20
- 1 minute read
What happened?
During routine maintenance, it was reported that the engine room hatch was left open with no physical barriers around, creating the potential for serious injury if distracted persons were to fall down the hatches.
What went wrong?
A crew member who was on the deck left the area for an urgent task forgetting to implement the control measures identified. [IMCA italics]
What were the causes?
The hatch was not closed when not in use – if the hatch was required to be left open, suitable barricades and warning communication should have been in place.
What were the recommendations? What actions were taken?
A safety meeting was conducted emphasising the potential fall hazards and the requirement to STOP WORK when unsafe conditions are identified.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 27/17
25 October 2017
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IMCA SF 17/18
3 August 2018
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