MSF: Person injured falling between decks
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 August 2023
- Generated on 27 October 2025
- IMCA SF 19/23
- 2 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published Safety Alert 23-06 relating to someone who fell 2 m between decks on an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS ) vessel alongside in port
What happened?
The injured person (IP) fell approximately 2 m from A-deck to the port chain chute on the main deck.
The IP was conscious but disoriented and had a small cut to the head.
First aid was given and the IP was transferred to hospital.
The IP suffered one broken vertebrae, several broken ribs, a fractured wrist, a cut to the back of the head and internal bruising to the kidneys.
Findings
Inspection of A-deck found that the safety chain was not in place. The safety chain could not be confirmed to be in place as it was found in the down position with a link missing. A carabiner was still in place at one end and a welded link in place on the other. Missing link on welded end could not be located.
The MSF report also notes the following:
- The IP – an experienced (30 years offshore) client’s representative – was fully rested prior to the incident and was not distracted at the time.
- The IP was off duty at the time and had proceeded to the winch hanger to check on activity on deck and have a cigarette, use his mobile phone, and return to his cabin.
- The grating on A-deck has a raised edge approximately 76 mm high that is highlighted with yellow paint. The IP may have tripped over it. As he was “off shift”, no PPE was being worn.
- It could not be determined if the safety chain at the edge of the deck grating was actually in place prior to the incident.
‘A’ deck showing the area around the gypsy and grating walkway including different levels highlighted by yellow paint. The yellow arrow denotes the space in which the IP fell between winch gypsy and grating
Main deck showing chute where IP landed from the grating above (height of approximately 2 m). Red arrow depicts the drop zone and area where IP landed
Actions?
- Install improved barriers around port and starboard gypsies.
- Update Shipboard/Contractor familiarisations and inductions to include identification of restricted and working areas.
- Replace all chain barriers with gates or solid railings. All restricted/working areas to be identified and signage posted. Temporary chain barriers and signage were put in place as a short-term measure until solid hand rails could be fabricated and fitted.
- Install barriers and signage to clearly identify working areas.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 33/20
6 December 2020
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IMCA SF 17/14
31 October 2014
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