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Person slipped on stairway while wearing shoe covers

What happened

A person was making their way down a vessel staircase, wearing coveralls and safety boots with company approved shoe covers on. While descending the stairs, the person slipped down approximately four steps on the staircase. The person had a firm grip hand on the handrail at the time of the incident and thereby, further slippage was prevented. The strain of preventing a worse fall caused muscular pain on the left side of the person’s torso and their left shoulder.

What went wrong

  • The grip on the injured person’s cloth shoe covers had worn away over time;
  • The person had not removed the cloth shoe covers upon exiting the accommodation area.

Lessons

  • Wearing shoe covers on stairs presents a potential slip hazard, and they should be removed upon exiting areas (such as the accommodation) where they are required;
  • Inspect shoe covers before use to check the grip – and replace as necessary.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 1 July 2023
Download: IMCA SF 16/23

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