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Slips, trips and falls resulting from loose cables and hoses on walkways

A member has recently issued advice to its employees concerning slips, trips and falls. It notes that international review of incidents reveals that a substantial percentage of incidents are caused by slips (wet surfaces etc), trips (tripping over objects) and falls (from heights or otherwise).

One of the main obstacles on board vessels (also at shipyards and shore bases) is loose cables or hoses, etc., lying on deck or other areas.

There was a recent near-miss where a set of gas hoses together with welding cables were cut/damaged, causing a small fire.

The company has noted the following lessons learned:

  • Gas and oxygen hoses and electric cables should be kept apart;
  • Cable and hose ‘housekeeping’ should be maintained at all times, with proper maintenance to be carried out on all hoses and cables;
  • Hoses and cables should be kept off of the deck/floor through the use of hooks or other means where possible (if this impossible, proper protection, such as thresholds, etc., should be used);
  • Tools made available to keep cables and hoses free from the deck/floor should be used and supervisors should check this regularly.

Safety Event

Published: 1 August 2003
Download: IMCA SF 09/03

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