Descending Stairs Safely
On one of our members’ vessels, an observation was raised relating to the hazards associated with steep stairs. The subject is worthy of a timely reminder for us all. There are diverse international standards and references for stairs. For example, the United States’ OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) defines that all ship stairs (or ship ladders) “between 60 and 90 degrees, be device-facing, so any ships ladder that is angled 60 degrees or steeper must be descended backing down”.
Our member then developed local guidance including:
- General cleaning and surface requirements for stairs;
- The correct use of the handrails;
- Attention to correct PPE – use of safety footwear;
- Adequate technique – “Trailing hand” for typical descent; and “Descending backwards” (face-in) for steep stairs.
Members may wish to revisit or re-use the IMCA posters on safe use of stairs and ladders:
Members should also review the following incidents relating to stairs and ladders:
- Lost Time Injury (LTI): Fall on Staircase
- Lost time injury – person slipped on the stairs and broke his arm
- Injury after crewman fell downstairs on external stairway
- ‘Routine’ task, non-routine result: A fall from a crane ladder leads to an LTI
- Recent slips, trips and falls involving stairs
- Trip and fall down hotel stairs causing serious wrist injury
Safety Event
Published: 30 July 2021
Download: 
IMCA SF 21/21
IMCA Safety Flashes
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