Introduction
Safe Working Culture on Board Ships ~
- A very effective way to prevent accidents is to EXAMINE likelihood of injury, damage or loss of life.
- Examine WHAT can be done to prevent such injury, damage or loss.
- Identify unsafe Procedures and Hazards that may have become accepted as a NORMAL practice.
- Safety awareness ensures the Best Practice is ALWAYS followed.
- Will raise awareness of the crew to the DANGERS surrounding them while at work.
Factors influencing the Development of a Credible Safety Culture:
- Attitude to work
- Encouragement in promoting safety and prevention of accidents
- Recruitment of competent crew
- Working hours and fatigue
- Shore based management Support
- Commercial pressures
- Cutting corners to save money
Solutions to ensure the development of a effective Safe Working Culture:
- Training and Drills
- Sharing near miss experiences
- Encouraging crew to think and contribute ideas
- Encourage crew to challenge decisions
- Encourage to plan for the unexpected
In simple words:
- Be aware
- Be alert
- Keep it simple
- Use common sense
- Sustain the process of Risk Assessment
- Document TOOL BOX meetings.
GUIDELINE TO ON BOARD SAFETY
- Ensure adequate illumination at work place.
- Lash and Secure all loose equipment especially prior heavy weather.
- All passages and exits to be kept clear always.
- Warning Notices to be put up and guards to be installed when floor plates are removed for any work.
- While working on elevated places, all safety precautions to be observed. Inspect ladders / lifting gear, use safety belt, have assistance and complete working aloft checklist.
- Clean up any Oil Spill immediately.
- Always Isolate and Check Circuits prior any work on switchgear and motors.
- All E/Room personnel should have knowledge of all Escape Routes from the E/Room and should be able to distinguish the various alarms with special reference to CO2 alarm.
- Never try to lift very heavy objects on your own. Use Lifting Equipment or get assistance.
- Use correct sized spanners to avoid injury to user & damage to fastenings.
- Duct Keel Entrances and Steering Compartment Entrance to be kept closed and securely dogged down when not in use.
Reference ~ COSWP for Merchant Seafarer's-2015 & MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Bureau) reports.
