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Worker fell into sea from gangway and drowned

What happened?

The Singapore Tripartite Alliance for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) has published Accident Notification 1920060 relating to a fatal fall from a gangway.  This incident is still under investigation.

On 23 October 2019 around 5pm, a worker embarking onto a launch boat from a vessel gangway lost his balance and fell into the sea.  The body of the worker was subsequently found in the sea. 

Figure 1: Photo of the vessel and its gangway
Figure 2: Photo of the launch boat

The WSH makes a number of recommendations including:

  • Pre-embarkation briefing;
  • Ensuring workers are physically fit for the transfer;
  • Ensuring transfer takes place in favourable conditions;
  • Ensuring all are properly briefed on safe use of gangways;
  • Ensuring that there is sufficient and appropriate supervision of transfers;
  • Wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

A fuller treatment of the incident is available here. 

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 30 January 2020
Download: IMCA SF 03/20

Relevant life-saving rules:
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