American Club Circular No. 2 8/16 1 JULY 06, 2016 CIRCULAR NO. 28/16 TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Dear Member: LOSS PREVENTION: SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS Your Managers are pleased to announce a new initiative aimed at preventing injuries caused by slips, trips and falls, the leading source of injuries on board ships. A greater awareness of the hazards which can lead to slips, trips and falls, and the implementation of effective measures to prevent them, are key to reducing their frequency. The first two case studies are presented as attached. Members are recommended to refer to the Club’s new website section on slips, trips and falls at: http://www.american-club.com/page/slips-trips-falls This section of the Club’s website will be periodically updated with new case studies and other relevant information concerning the prevention of slips, trips and falls. Members will henceforward be advised of such updates by way of Member Alert. Yours faithfully, Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEO Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for THE AMERICAN CLUB American Club Loss Prevention: Slips, Trips and Falls 1 Wise up before you rise up! Consider the risks of personal fall arrest equipment that is improperly maintained. Description of Incident: During routine maintenance work aloft while at sea, a 41 year old able bodied seaman was seriously injured after a near fatal fall from a height of 13 feet (4 meters) onto to the cross deck. The fall was ultimately determined to be the consequence of the lanyard on his fall arrest equipment breaking under tension. The safety harness was found to be overused and had gone unchecked as evidence had shown upon review of the maintenance records for life saving appliances. Actual Injuries: The seafarer sustained multiple fractures to his pelvis, left wrist, ribs and a ruptured spleen. The injury to his pelvis required both surgical and external stabilization. Potential Risks: Serious bodily injury or death. In the event of a fall, it is critical that personal fall arrest equipment has been properly donned, fully functional and reliable. For this reason, personal fall protection equipment must be inspected regularly and checked to be fully functional before each use. Improper storage and care for fall this equipment will increase the likelihood that the next piece of equipment that your shipmate picks up is dangerously weakened. Recommendations Equipment • Use a full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard or a retractable lifeline. A full-body harness distributes the fall forces throughout the body and reduces the chances of injury. A “body belt” fall protection device concentrates any fall related forces into the abdomen area. The shock-absorbing lanyard decreases the total fall arresting forces. • Only rig a full body harnesses and use fiber lines intended for use as personal fall arrest equipment. Only personal fall arrest equipment designed for use should be used for working aloft. Storage • Properly store personal fall arrest equipment indoors in a clean, cool, dry place, and hung up if possible. • Personal fall arrest equipment should not be left lying around a jobsite. Exposure to rain, heat, freezing temperatures, and direct sunlight can potentially damage the equipment. Direct sunlight or exposure to heat sources can cause weakening to the materials that make up the harness and lanyard making them susceptible to failure. American Club Loss Prevention: Slips, Trips and Falls 2 • Ensure the protection of