Topic
Slips, Trips and Falls
Loss of footing or balance including slippery surfaces and trip hazards.
Newest 100 Documents
All 236 in search- 202628 Apr
Failure of moonpool railing system caused man overboard situation in moonpool
A degraded removable railing post failed when a crew member lost balance beside a moonpool. They caught a guidewire and were rescued with a boathook, sustaining a dislocated shoulder. The flash examines inspection omissions, unclear responsibilities and ineffective hazard follow-up, recommending secured barriers, preventive maintenance and pre-task assessment of barrier failure.
- 202628 Apr
Heaving line snap-back causes injury
A tensioned heaving line broke during berthing, causing quayside workers to fall. One suffered a head impact after an unsecured helmet chin strap allowed the helmet to shift. The flash identifies missing inspections, congestion and inadequate supervision, and recommends line checks, safer positioning and stopping unsafe work.
- 202624 Mar
Person injured when pry bar slipped
A crew member fractured a right-hand knuckle after a pry bar slipped while refitting a dislodged vehicle track. The flash discusses circumstantial pressure from worsening weather, amendments to the job safety analysis and the possibility that impact gloves might have reduced injury severity without preventing it.
- 202611 Mar
Loss of propulsion in heavy weather experienced by the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery, leading to over 100 injuries and one fatality
Investigation of Spirit of Discovery’s repeated propulsion losses in heavy weather in the Bay of Biscay. It examines pod overspeed protection, automatic pod parking, weather routing, furniture securing and medical response. Violent vessel motion injured 115 passengers; one passenger sustained a spinal injury and died four days later.
- 2026Mar
Personal Safety (USCG)
US Coast Guard inspection questions address personnel safety on manned and unmanned OCS platforms. They link protective equipment, housekeeping, deck guarding, lifesaving provision, escape arrangements and emergency drills to regulatory authorities and enforcement actions. Individual entries carry update labels, including March 2026 changes to escape and survival equipment checks.
- 202517 Nov
Slipped on stairs, broken finger
A worker slipped while descending stairs and fractured the tip of his right ring finger when his supporting hand was trapped beneath his weight. The flash describes onboard first aid and same-day treatment arrangements, and stresses handrail use and three points of contact on stairs.
- 202511 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert 505 - BSEE Risk-Based Inspections Reveal Increase in Slip-Trip-Fall Hazards on Offshore Facilities Inspections
BSEE reports findings from a Performance-Based Risk Inspection of 19 offshore assets following an increase in slip, trip and fall injuries. Findings address training gaps, obstructed walkways, sharp edges, simultaneous operations, safety boots and faded markings. Recommendations invite operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved hazard checks, housekeeping, training and footwear maintenance.
- 20254 Jun
LTI: Back injury in Confined Space (Tank Entry)
A worker injured their lower back after losing hand grip while exiting a confined compartment feet-first through a lightening hole during planned maintenance. The flash examines access ergonomics and gaps in risk assessment, describing additional grab handles, possible platforms under investigation and a review of confined-space entry procedures.
- 202529 Apr
Positive findings and good practices
This safety flash shares positive vessel practices covering machinery lockout/tagout, mooring-deck markings and engine-room housekeeping. It highlights protection against unexpected energisation, recommends warnings about potential snapback across the entire mooring deck, and describes how orderly engine rooms reduce slip, trip and fire hazards while supporting maintenance.
- 20257 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert 497 - Weather Creates Sudden and Unpredictable Risks
BSEE describes a wave-related femur injury on a deepwater drilling rig and further adverse-weather incidents involving personnel transfers, vessel collision and lost dynamic positioning capability. Recommendations address weather-dependent access restrictions, communication of unusual hazards, suspension of non-critical work and assessment of medical evacuation capabilities during adverse conditions.
- 202412 Sep
Fall overboard from sail training vessel Pelican of London with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a volunteer relief cook’s fatal fall from Pelican of London’s gangway at Sharpness. It examines ineffective guard ropes, a downward-sloping safety net, deficient risk assessment and informal rigging practices. Alcohol impairment and policies for returning from shore are analysed, with recommendations addressing gangway approval, training and alcohol controls.
- 202429 Aug
LTI – person fell from step ladder
A worker maintaining a tool aboard a vessel lost balance when the vessel pitched and fell from an unsecured two-step ladder, fracturing a rib. The flash identifies inadequate risk mitigations and insufficiently robust equipment, and describes securing access equipment and a planned fabricated access point to replace the temporary ladder.
- 20242 Jul
UK MAIB: A slip into the hold
A cargo-vessel crew member fell into a hold while repositioning a single-lanyard safety hook to reach a bulkhead locking bolt, sustaining an open upper-arm fracture. The flash highlights inadequate lighting, incomplete working-at-height risk assessments and missing casualty recovery arrangements, with treatment at the scene lasting over an hour before hospital transfer.
- 20242 Jul
UK MAIB: Man overboard – unguarded opening
A crew member preparing for berthing overbalanced while swinging a heaving line around a pillar and fell through an unguarded opening. Crew recovered the person using a line; medical assessments found no injury. The flash highlights dynamic risk assessment, stopping unsafe work and subsequent installation of a railing.
- 202427 Mar
LTI: person slipped climbing out of tank
A crew member fractured his right forearm after slipping while approaching a vessel’s fresh water tank exit hatch for a rest break. The investigation identified pooled cleaning water on smooth painted surfaces. Lessons include reviewing inspection frequency and assessing whether non-slip tank coatings are feasible.
- 202422 Jan
Person injured going down ladder
A worker descending a fixed carousel manhole ladder lost his footing and fell approximately 87 cm. His helmet came off and his head struck a steel structure. The flash discusses possible contributions from misjudgement, an unsecured chinstrap and poor lighting, and records lighting improvements and reminders to secure PPE correctly.
- 202416 Jan
BSEE Safety Alert 479 - Lack of Adherence to Helideck Safety Procedures Results in Series of Near Miss Incidents
BSEE reviews six helideck near misses involving gas venting during approach, loose debris, grease, unsafe approach to a running helicopter, crane interference and raised handrails. It recommends that operators and contractors consider personnel instruction, facility-specific procedures, operational planning and pre-arrival briefings to strengthen helideck safety.
- 20244 Jan
Rig worker falls while descending derrick ladder
A worker slipped while descending a derrick ladder after untying a lashed double stand of drill pipe. The worker had connected a full-body harness to the fall-arrest system’s cable sleeve before descending, but fell 6–7 ft (approximately 2 m) onto an intermediate platform.
- 20232 Nov
Pedestrian Injuries from Sikorsky S-92A Downwash During Hospital Landing
Investigates fatal and serious pedestrian injuries caused by downwash during a Sikorsky S-92A landing at Derriford Hospital. Examines approach planning, public access, risk assessments, warning signs, staff competence and hospital–operator coordination. Reviews landing-site guidance and sets out recommendations and safety action addressing risks beyond the landing-site boundary.
- 202320 Oct
BSEE Identifies Medical Evacuation and Emergency Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
BSEE inspections identified deficiencies in offshore medical evacuation arrangements, supplies, emergency plans and drills. Findings included inaccessible defibrillators, unsuitable Stokes litters, obstructed escape routes and helideck concerns. The alert recommends operators and contractors consider procedure reviews, supply checks, realistic drills and assessment of medical response times.
- 20233 Oct
Rope access technician slipped and dislocated shoulder
A rope access technician dislocated his right shoulder after slipping from a wet vessel platform handrail and falling approximately 1 m while still connected to ropes. The flash identifies inadequate risk planning and assessment, and describes detailed job safety analysis, a subcontractor safety stand-down and refresher training.
- 202312 Sep
Fall from pilot ladder
During a pre-departure man overboard drill at a shipyard, a Chief Officer fell about 2 m onto a lifeboat after an unsecured pilot ladder slid downwards. He sustained minor bruising. The flash stresses secure ladder installation, officer checks and crew familiarisation with deployment, securing and stowage procedures.
- 202315 Aug
LTI – Person fractured pelvis in a fall from a ladder
A crew member fractured his pelvis after slipping from a temporary cargo-hold access ladder aboard a cargo vessel. The flash examines blocked permanent access, an unprotected platform edge, absent risk assessment and change management, and unchallenged subcontractor standards. Actions address contractor assurance, supervision, stop-work authority and safe access.
- 20233 Aug
MSF: Person injured falling between decks
An off-duty client representative fell approximately 2 m between decks on an AHTS vessel alongside in port, sustaining multiple injuries. A raised grating edge was a possible trip hazard; the safety chain’s prior position remained uncertain. Actions included replacing chain barriers with gates or railings and improving restricted-area identification and inductions.
- 202324 Jul
LTI – Crew member fell down open hatch
A crew member securing a rope during mooring stumbled into an open hatchway, sustaining three broken ribs and a lost time injury. The flash identifies failures in communication and hazard recognition, absent barriers and warning signs, and lack of a toolbox meeting. It recommends task-specific briefings and discussing protective measures.
- 202313 Jul
Serious finger injury in power operated watertight sliding door
A crew member lost balance as a vessel rolled and trapped his right middle finger between an opening powered watertight door and the bulkhead. The flash describes deficiencies in hazard communication and protective arrangements, and reports an enforced no-go zone during door operation.
- 20231 Jul
LTI – Crew person cracked shin bone
An engineer fractured his tibia after taking a shortcut around stairs where maintenance obstructed access to a control panel. He struck the stairs, lost balance and hit his ankle on a valve. The flash highlights maintenance-related access hazards, risk assessment, communication, signage, physical barriers and stopping unsafe work.
- 20231 Jul
Person slipped on stairway while wearing shoe covers
A person wearing cloth shoe covers slipped down approximately four vessel stairway steps. Holding the handrail prevented further slippage but strained their torso and shoulder. The covers’ grip had worn away, and they had remained on outside accommodation. The flash recommends removing covers outside required areas and checking grip before use.
- 202329 Jun
Person overboard from stern trawler Copious with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Copious during a trawl-gear repair on the aft bulwark. It examines inadequate risk assessment, cold-water incapacitation, incorrect lifejacket fit and unsuccessful recovery. Analysis highlights limitations of the Markusnet arrangements and drills for unconscious casualties, alongside subsequent owner actions and regulatory recommendations.
- 202316 May
BSEE: Swing rope transfers
This safety flash relays BSEE accounts of swing rope transfers involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends standalone transfer operations, formal risk assessment, stop-work authority, competence assessment and alternatives where practicable. IMCA does not recommend swing ropes.
- 202327 Mar
Head injury when crew member fell over in bathroom during heavy weather
A crew member lost balance in his cabin bathroom during sudden vessel rolling, striking a towel rail and requiring five stitches. The vessel was travelling at full speed across heavy swell on client instructions. Lessons address master–client discussion of safer transit options and crew warnings about sudden movements.
- 202327 Mar
Person slipped when exiting bathroom into cabin
A crew member fell backwards when a cabin mat slipped, striking his lower back against the bathroom door frame. Checks found mats without anti-slip backing and insufficient rubberised replacements. The flash describes temporary deck grip tape and recommends adequate mat stocks, anti-slip material for temporary cloth mats and accommodation inspections.
- 202327 Mar
Serious LTI – Crew member slipped on deck breaking his leg
An engineer fractured his right fibula after slipping on a greasy deck while handling a bunker hose. Spiral access prevented stretcher evacuation. The flash examines surface contamination, hose drainage and absent manual handling assessment, recommending conditional hose capping, non-slip coatings, handling assessments and consideration of rescue drills for restricted-access areas.
- 2023Mar
Unsafe use of floor grating systems in oil and gas, and wind generation
HSE warns that polymer floor gratings on offshore platforms, vessels and wind installations can dislodge, creating trip hazards and openings through which people may fall. Investigations identified fastener installation or positioning inconsistent with manufacturer guidance or good practice. Employers should identify grating areas and prioritise reviews of safety-critical locations, including escape routes.
- 202321 Feb
Extreme Caution Advised During Swing Rope Transfers
This alert reviews offshore swing-rope transfer incidents involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends transfer-specific risk assessments, competence assurance and recovery capability checks, alongside verification of transfer systems and locator beacons. Alternative transfer methods, including gangways or elevated structures, are recommended for consideration.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 2 (Spring 2023)
Six superyacht reports examine authority gradients, guest distractions and safety culture through a deck slip, navigational near misses, tender lifting failure, towing capsize and lithium-ion battery fire. Commentary discusses constructive challenge, safe access, inspection limitations, lifejackets, emergency communications and fire response, contrasting weak practices with effective crew action.
- 202213 Dec
MAIB: Worker falls between vessel and quay
A shore worker used a stowed gangway despite crew instructions to wait for alternative access as the tide fell. He slipped and fell over 8 m into the sea, sustaining significant injuries. The flash describes his rescue and stresses safe access arrangements and compliance with instructions to visitors.
- 20225 Sep
Fall leading to serious personal injury
A crew member fell while manoeuvring a drill tool alone aboard a moving vessel, sustaining concussion and soft tissue injuries. The flash identifies shortcomings in task risk assessment and work instructions, discusses slippery conditions and drill-floor layout, and records revised methods, handling equipment changes and a successful planned medical emergency response.
- 202214 Jul
Man overboard from anchor handler tug
During a grapnel run on an anchor handling tug, a T-bar hook snagged a crew member’s life jacket while chain was being overboarded, leading to a fall into the water. The crew recovered him within three minutes. Lessons address rescue drills, subcontractor oversight, snag-point removal and safer overboarding methods.
- 202119 Nov
MOB: Person fell into water during gangway installation
A crew member fell into the water while attempting to lift a portable gangway to free another person’s trapped foot, and was recovered without injury. The flash identifies communication failures, tiredness, insufficient staffing and absent risk assessment, recommending toolbox talks, improved bridge–deck coordination and sufficient supervised, rested crew.
- 202115 Oct
Unsafe personnel transfer – man overboard
A diver slipped while boarding a pilot boat using a quayside fender. His assisting supervisor also lost balance, and both jumped into the water. Their life-jackets inflated and neither was injured. The flash identifies unsuitable access and unexercised stop-work authority, urging safe access arrangements and renewed emphasis on stopping unsafe work.
- 202118 Aug
LTI – ankle injury caused during lifting operation
A crew member fractured an ankle and fibula after stumbling while holding a steering line during a rotating jacket lift. The investigation identified an exclusion-barrier breach, insufficient line length and an impractical alternative tugger arrangement. Actions address rigging-team participation, steering-line checks and verification of engineered tugger arrangements before offshore operations.
- 202130 Jul
Descending stairs safely
A vessel observation prompted guidance on descending steep stairs safely. The flash describes local measures covering stair cleanliness, surface condition, handrail use and safety footwear. It distinguishes trailing-hand descent from facing in and descending backwards on steep stairs, and suggests revisiting IMCA stair and ladder posters.
- 202010 Nov
Falls from step ladders
Two step-ladder falls injured a crewman and a forklift operator during descent. The accounts identify unsecured or unstable ladders, uneven decking, damage and missing task safeguards. The flash highlights pre-use checks, routine inspection, quarantine of damaged ladders, risk assessment, toolbox talks and stable positioning.
- 202010 Nov
Pilots leaving the vessel in port in an unsafe manner
Two incidents involving pilots leaving unstable gangways before they rested on the jetty resulted in a medical treatment case and a near miss. The flash recommends completing mooring before disembarkation, ensuring the gangway lies flat with crew attending, communicating delays, using available shoreside assistance where possible and wearing lifejackets.
- 202021 Sep
Safety Alert 392 - Personnel Transfer Injuries Escalate Over 1-Year Period
BSEE summarises personnel transfer injuries involving baskets and swing ropes between April 2019 and April 2020, alongside near misses and man-overboard incidents. It recommends that operators and contractors consider realistic response drills, communication about dangerous transfer conditions, stop-work training and continued fitness for duty following initial training and certification.
- 202024 Jul
Person injured when leg slipped through floor hatch
An engine-room inspection resulted in a left-shin cut of about 3 cm when a person slipped through a loose floor hatch plate. The flash identifies failed screw connections and missing hatch-support inspections. Actions included replacing screws with bolts, checking other connections, adding warning markings and incorporating periodic inspections into planned maintenance.
- 202013 Jul
MOB fatality: Person fell between vessel and jetty
This flash summarises MAIB findings on the fatal crushing of Cherry Sand’s Master during self-mooring at Rosyth. He attempted to step ashore before the dredger was alongside. It highlights hazardous transfer practices, absent linesmen and audit shortcomings, alongside recommendations concerning self-mooring guidance and fleetwide procedures.
- 20206 Jul
Manhole opened and not correctly closed
A deck safety round identified an unsecured manhole cover following ballast-water removal for valve replacement. Its securing nuts had been removed, with no barriers or warnings provided. The flash highlights failure to follow company procedures and overlooked risks of falling into the opening or slipping on the unsecured cover.
- 202023 Jun
Trip and fall down hotel stairs causing serious wrist injury
An employee travelling on business fell while descending hotel stairs, sustaining multiple fractures and a dislocated left wrist requiring surgery. The account identifies mobile phone use and failure to hold the handrail, and stresses avoiding phone use, maintaining contact where possible and remaining attentive on stairs.
- 202012 Jun
Near miss/positive: Crew exercised stop work on new gangway
Following an initial transfer test, a captain stopped use of a newly installed gangway after identifying a trip hazard and minor hydraulic leak. Further inspection revealed cracks in welding seams. The flash highlights pre-use inspection, stop-work authority without reprisal, and quarantine of unsafe equipment pending corrective action.
- 202022 May
Fall from Height Leading to Injury
A bosun slipped and fell 2.5 m to a vessel’s deck during FRC stowage following davit wire replacement, injuring his ankle. The flash examines an uneven, unguarded area and missed fall hazards in work planning. Actions included revised job safety analysis, fall-protection signage and hazard hunts by unfamiliar personnel.
- 202022 May
Fall from the quayside into water
A contract worker fell approximately three metres from a quayside into water while slinging a palleted water bag. Substitution of a shorter-reach ROV crane without reassessment placed the load near the edge. The flash describes sling release, loss of balance and self-rescue, emphasising change management, situational awareness and third-party briefings.
- 202031 Mar
Worker fell from height and suffered life changing injuries
A stevedore unloading a merchant vessel at Hull fell 3.4 metres into its hold and was paralysed from the waist down. His jacket snagged on an eyebolt while he stepped across a walkway’s ladder gap. The flash describes customary gap-crossing and highlights planning effective fall-prevention measures.
- 202028 Feb
Safety Alert 378 - Unsecured Trough Drain Grating Poses Tripping Hazard
Two December 2019 incidents involved offshore workers stepping on unsecured or unsupported drain grating, resulting in back and knee injuries and restricted duty. BSEE recommends considering grating inspections, welding shorter sections where applicable, end caps against sliding, improved situational awareness and sufficient lighting to improve visibility.
- 202030 Jan
Worker fell into sea from gangway and drowned
A worker lost his balance while boarding a launch boat from a vessel gangway and drowned. The incident remained under investigation. The flash relays WSH recommendations on transfer briefings, physical fitness, favourable conditions, appropriate supervision and personal protective equipment, and points readers towards personnel-transfer guidance.
- 20209 Jan
Fall on board fishing vessel Artemis with loss of 1 life
Investigates the skipper’s fatal fall through a wheelhouse hatch aboard Artemis in Kilkeel harbour. The report examines altered access arrangements, a near-vertical ladder without handrails and alcohol impairment. The precise initiating event remained uncertain. Recommendations address access design, drug and alcohol policies, and fishermen’s work agreements.
- 20196 Dec
High potential incident – Man injured while falling overboard (MOB)
A subcontracted employee tripped over a discharge hose at an offshore platform boat landing and fell between the landing and a workboat. He was recovered partially submerged and sustained a fractured wrist. The flash identifies inadequate hose management and unimplemented risk controls, recommending access-route review and consideration of additional trip-hazard controls.
- 20196 Dec
Man overboard – Fall from a pilot ladder
An IT technician boarding a vessel fell into the sea from a pilot ladder after the service boat lurched backwards and the ladder swayed. He was rescued without reported injury and was not wearing a lifejacket. The flash calls for SOLAS-approved lifejackets, separate luggage transfer and crew briefing on stop-work authority.
- 20195 Dec
Fall while boarding tug Millgarth with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall while boarding Millgarth at Tranmere Oil Terminal. The chief engineer most likely slipped on a wet fender and died from cardiac arrest due to cold water immersion. The report examines self-mooring, shared access risks, recovery equipment, crew training and unsuccessful rescue attempts.
- 20195 Jul
Sprained ankle whilst climbing on equipment
A crewman sprained his ankle after slipping from a cable rack inside an offshore wind turbine transition piece. The rack was unsuitable for climbing, and access had not been addressed in the risk assessment or procedure. Lessons emphasise safe access, appropriate ladders and platforms, and stopping work when safe access cannot be established.
- 20193 May
Slip on wet surface (Marine Safety Forum)
A crew member slipped on water from an unsecured bridge kettle while a vessel pitched and rolled, falling onto his back. Darkness obscured the spill, and later medical assessment indicated damaged ribs. The kettle subsequently received a securing bracket, and both shifts discussed the incident at safety meetings.
- 20195 Apr
Hand injury during closing of hatch
A crewman’s left thumb was trapped between an SPM hatch and bulkhead after the door swung inward and he slipped on a wet, uneven surface. The flash describes a misaligned locking mechanism, an unsecured open hatch, minor fracture and contusions, and subsequent changes to hatch securing and emergency response arrangements.
- 20195 Apr
Latent trip hazards
Two crew injuries in vessel machinery spaces involved an exposed support gusset and uneven walkways. The flash links latent hazards to vessel design and engineering changes, recommends human factors in design and management of change, and describes a fleet-wide hazard hunt followed by rectification or scheduled maintenance.
- 20195 Apr
Personal injury following PPE violation and slip and fall on deck
A vessel Master slipped on a wet main deck during routine checks without safety footwear or a helmet, suffering head abrasions. The flash emphasises PPE compliance, leadership example and expectations to challenge unsafe behaviour through stop-work intervention. A formal warning followed the deliberate procedural violation.
- 201927 Feb
LTI: Engineer injured following engine room slip/trip
An engineer suffered an abdominal laceration when an unsecured engine-room floor plate slid and flipped during dry docking. The flash examines incomplete maintenance handback, unaddressed hazards, inadequate protective clothing and contractor oversight. Actions included fitting plate stoppers, bolting loose plates and revising inspections and risk assessment.
- 201818 Dec
MSF: Two LTIs – a slip and a fall, and trapping a thumb
Two Marine Safety Forum cases describe a fractured toe following a slip on external vessel stairs and a thumb squeezed while opening a watertight door. The flash discusses checking anti-slip measures, handrail technique, crew familiarisation, supervision and marking door-frame hazards. Conditions during the stair incident were dry.
- 20183 Dec
LTI – rigger tripped over quayside obstacle in the dark and fell
A rigger sustained multiple fractures after tripping over a grillage I-beam on a quayside during night-time mobilisation. The flash identifies missed trip hazards, ineffective safety checks and unclear operational responsibility. Lessons address shift handovers, workplace hazard checks, dynamic risk assessment and consideration of additional portable lighting.
- 201825 Sep
Lost Time Injury (LTI): Fall on Staircase
A vessel crewman fell while descending stairs, catching his foot in a gap at the bottom and sustaining fractures and dislocation. The flash discusses footwear condition and possible nightshift fatigue, and records warning signage and staircase modification. Lessons address PPE replacement and handrail use.
- 201822 Jun
Lost time injury (LTI): fractured elbow – fall injury
A Chief Officer fractured his elbow after slipping backwards on a wet, smooth vessel ramp during crew change. The flash examines non-use of railings and welded anti-slip bars, alongside underestimated risk. A fleet review discusses control, expectation, efficiency and familiarity biases affecting routine onboard behaviour.
- 20189 May
Edges and ledges – a slip on deck resulted in injury
A crewman twisted his ankle after slipping on step grating while passing through a vessel hatch. Reporting was delayed until pain increased, and vessel notification also failed to follow company procedures. The flash calls for immediate reporting, discussion with crews and consideration of marking steps lacking colour contrast.
- 201824 Apr
Missing protection cover becomes potential dropped object
A vessel’s missing deck cover was found in a container pocket after offloading ashore, presenting a potential dropped-object hazard. Poor retaining rubber and inadequate inspection and maintenance contributed. Actions included a temporary cover and replacement covers, with recommendations for planned inspections and deck checks after heavy weather before cargo discharge.
- 201821 Mar
Man overboard from stern trawler Constant Friend with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fatal boarding accident at Kilkeel Harbour involving Constant Friend and Silver Harvester. It analyses hazardous guardrail crossings, wet surfaces, vessel movement and probable alcohol-related impairment. The report assesses shortcomings in boarding risk controls, rescue and resuscitation, and recommends reviewing access guidance and improving emergency notification arrangements.
- 201823 Jan
High potential near miss: AB slipped over the side during mooring operations
An able seaman slipped into the sea while jumping from a vessel to the quay during mooring. He held a fender, and the Master manoeuvred to prevent crushing and propeller exposure. The flash examines procedural violations, failure to intervene and management acceptance of an unsafe practice.
- 201715 Dec
Lost time injury – Person slipped on the stairs and broke his arm
An engine-room crew member broke his left arm after slipping on stairs while carrying lubrication oil aboard a vessel. The flash identifies slippery steps, failure to hold the handrail and inappropriate carrying technique. Lessons emphasise handrail use, correct carrying procedures and keeping stairs, floors and safety footwear free of oil and grease.
- 201712 Oct
Accident during pilot transfer between general cargo vessel Sunmi and pilot transfer vessel Patrol with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot transfer between Sunmi and Patrol on the River Thames. The pilot fell while stepping across and sustained crushing injuries between the vessels. Analysis examines unsuitable deck-gate access, ladder arrangements, omitted crush risks, training, fitness assessment and officer supervision; the initiating cause was not witnessed.
- 20175 Oct
Near miss – Grating dislodged and fell, leading to crewman slipping
During flow-line installation on an oil platform, displaced plastic grating left a gap into which a rigging crewman slipped without injury. Loosened securing clips from platform flexing were assumed to explain the failure. Actions included checking and securing grating, barriering the area and recovering the fallen section using an ROV.
- 20171 Sep
Worker trapped and injured by reversing vehicle
A spotter at a land-based seismic survey camp injured his right wrist when trapped between a reversing mobile crane’s extended outrigger and a well house. He lost balance in snow, while the operator continued after losing visual contact. The flash recommends clear communication protocols and stopping when visual or verbal contact is lost.
- 201723 Aug
High potential near miss: Slip on tag line during crane operations
A seaman tripped on a tag line while preparing a vessel’s load for transfer to an offshore installation. Crane movement stopped and he was uninjured. The flash discusses potential collision and lifting hazards, tag-line positioning for small fragile loads, revised risk assessment, crew briefing, additional training and closer monitoring.
- 201713 Jul
Crewman found collapsed – Seasickness
A trainee crewman collapsed following a combination of seasickness and medication, sustaining partial left-hand immobility after falling. The flash describes onboard medical attention and assessment ashore. It recommends accounting for seasickness in risk assessment and induction, suggesting a buddy system may benefit new personnel.
- 201713 Jul
Fall from height – LTI
A supervisor fell 7 m through deck hatches while crew lifted equipment aboard a vessel alongside. Injuries required surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. The flash examines inadequate portable barriers, trip hazards and a generic permit to work, highlighting barrier review and task-specific permitting, with checklists suggested to help address planning lapses.
- 201713 Jul
Worker fainted and was injured during tanker operations in a tropical climate
A rigger fainted after standing from prolonged crouching during hose handling on a loading tanker, sustaining a slight head cut. The flash discusses extreme heat, PPE and inadequate drinking water, and highlights physical fitness, hydration, proper eating and opportunities to rest in shade.
- 20172 Mar
Man overboard from scallop dredger King Challenger with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a fatal fall overboard from King Challenger during access to a damaged scallop dredge bag near Shetland. The report examines tipping-door repair practices, omitted maintenance risks, lifejacket use, rapid cold-water incapacitation and unpractised casualty recovery. It records revised repair methods and recommends reviewing fleet risk assessments.
- 20166 Dec
Injury after crewman fell downstairs on external stairway
A crewman fractured his arm after slipping down an external vessel stairway following completion of daughter-craft recovery. Investigation found the stairs, grips and safety footwear in good condition. He reported using the trailing-hand technique while holding a radio; no radio holsters were aboard, and he reported vessel roll immediately before falling.
- 20169 Nov
Fatal fall from tug Svitzer Moira
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal fall and crushing during tug manoeuvring at Royal Portbury Dock. It highlights the absence of a toolbox talk, inadequate oversight of deck operations and divergence from company instructions. Appropriate PPE was not worn, although its use was unlikely to have altered the outcome.
- 201618 Oct
Crewman suffers cut to hand – but gloves prevented it being much worse
During a dropped-object sweep in an ROV hangar, a crewman slipped while stepping down from a tether management system and cut his left palm on a cut Jubilee Clip. Appropriate gloves limited the injury. The flash describes removal of the clip, checks of other systems and securing clip ends.
- 20167 Oct
Fall from tug Svitzer Moira with loss of 1 life
Investigates an engineer’s fatal crushing between two tugs at Royal Portbury Dock. He probably fell while transferring before the vessels were fully alongside, possibly through slipping or tripping. The report examines deck supervision, communications, mooring procedures, PPE use and comparative footwear slip-resistance testing, alongside company and port actions.
- 201612 Jul
Routine’ task, non-routine result: A fall from a crane ladder leads to an LTI
An Able Seaman slipped while descending a fixed crane ladder and fell backwards from a height of half a metre, developing lower back pain. The investigation identified loose hand grip and reduced focus on a routine task. Preventative actions emphasised secure footing, unhurried descent and keeping safety shoes and gloves free of oil or grease.
- 201630 Jun
Near-miss: Bilge cover left open
Crew found an unguarded open bilge cover in a vessel’s engine room after brine pump maintenance was interrupted. Similar earlier near misses had already been discussed across the fleet. The flash describes closing the covers and a safety stand down, and stresses risk assessment, control of openings and effective supervision.
- 201622 Jun
Man overboard from stern trawler Enterprise with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal loss of Enterprise’s skipper during net repairs in rough North Sea weather. The report examines unprotected shooting ports, slippery footing, absent lifejacket use and inadequate risk assessment. It analyses difficulties with casualty recovery, delayed distress alerting and insufficient preparation for the skipper’s incapacitation.
- 201624 Feb
Slip/trip resulting in lost time injury (LTI)
A chief engineer slipped on a raised vessel deck during heavy weather and struck an open watertight door, fracturing his right arm. The flash examines deficient non-skid protection, misunderstood or disregarded deck-access instructions and unverified door closures. Lessons emphasise safety briefings, warning signs, watertight integrity and stopping unsafe work.
- 20153 Dec
Fall from cargo hatch top on general cargo vessel Norjan with 1 person injured
Investigation of a chief officer’s 2.4 m fall from Norjan’s hatch cover during yacht loading in Southampton, fracturing both ankles. It examines trip hazards, unprotected edges, absent fall restraint and arrest, inadequate task-specific assessment and unclear safety responsibilities, recommending cargo safe access planning and work-at-height awareness training.
- 20153 Dec
Non-fatal man overboard incident
A crewman lost his balance and fell overboard while freeing a mooring rope trapped between a Yokohama fender and a barge. He was rescued unharmed in less than five minutes. The flash identifies missing task-specific briefing and risk assessment, and recommends improved supervision, fender positioning, mooring practices and emergency response.
- 20153 Dec
Recent slips, trips and falls involving stairs
This flash discusses reported stair and gangway falls on offshore vessels and installations. It examines contaminated anti-slip surfaces, obstructed or poorly positioned handrails, environmental conditions and low risk perception during routine tasks. Recommendations address handrail use, suitable footwear, housekeeping, inspection and incorporation of walkway maintenance into planned maintenance systems.
- 20158 May
Badly sprained ankle resulting in LTI
A person descending a wet external vessel staircase slipped and fell approximately two metres to the deck, badly spraining an ankle and becoming unable to work for at least seven days. The flash examines stair geometry, omitted access hazards in risk assessments, footwear protection, handrail signage and vessel induction.
- 20155 Feb
Near-miss: Man overboard
A master slipped into the sea during a bow-to-bow transfer between wind turbine crew transfer vessels following propulsion problems. He was recovered uninjured within several minutes. The flash examines premature transfer, communication with shore support, incorrectly secured lifejacket crotch straps and effective man-overboard recovery.
- 201431 Oct
Lost time injury (LTI): Fall overboard/fall from height
A hopper-barge crew member suffered serious spinal injuries after losing balance while refitting a mooring line in adverse harbour weather, falling from about 2 m onto a quay-wall fender. The flash examines lone working, absent restraint and inadequate risk assessment, with lessons on securing personnel, mooring arrangements and handling suspected spinal injuries.
- 201431 Oct
Slips, trips and falls – raising awareness
This safety flash addresses increased reporting of slips, trips and falls from offshore vessels. It highlights contaminated flooring, obstructed walkways, housekeeping, footwear and human behaviour. It stresses safe habits during routine work, task risk assessment, toolbox talks, supervision and review of working practices to share learning.
- 201422 Oct
Fall from Equipment onto a Trailer Results in a Laceration
This alert describes an employee slipping while descending a substructure after removal of a toe extension for transport. He fell approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) to the ground, sustaining an armpit laceration requiring sutures. The account suggests he may have struck a keeper pin during the fall.
- 2014Sep
Person overboard while climbing on stern trawler New Dawn to access stern trawler Horizon II, with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal boarding fall at Royal Quays marina, North Shields. Horizon II’s skipper fell while climbing New Dawn’s guardrails. The report examines hazardous access arrangements, alcohol, wet surfaces, unimplemented risk-assessment measures and delayed recovery, and records marina improvements and recommendations for safer berth access.