Safety Learning: The power of safety forums and alliances

Safety Forums

Inter-organisational groups, usually in one segment of an industry (e.g. oil industry, passenger ships, etc.) who get together periodically to discuss the key safety issues in their organizations, and to share best practices and lessons learned

Examples

• Marine Accident Investigators International Forum (MAIIF)
• Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF)
• Marine Safety Forum

Safety Alliances

Alliances between a cluster of companies or organisations can be a powerful way to promote and enhance safety in key areas, especially when those companies put aside competition in certain areas in order to tackle key safety problems.

Examples

• Oil Companies’ International Maritime Forum (OCIMF)
• Together in Safety
• Human Element Industry Group

9 Golden Safety Rules for shipping

As part of the ‘Together in Safety’ alliance, major representatives from shipping agreed the following Safety Rules

#1 Enclosed Space Entry

Only enter an enclosed space if it has been ventilated and the atmosphere confirmed safe.

#2 Fall Prevention

Always protect yourself from failing when working at height or during personnel transfer.

#3 Invisible Hazards

Verify Isolation before working with stored energy and invisible hazards (e.g. Electrical; pressure).

#4 Working over water/ Access to vessels

When outside of ships rails always wear a Personal Flotation Device.

#5 Line of fire

Ensure yourself and others are positioned away from suspended loads, stored pressure, moving machinery and snap-back areas.

#6 Navigation

Obey the collision regulations, supplement nav aids with visual/manual checks plan and execute plan and avoid distractions and fatigue

#7 Lifeboats

Ensure own and others safety during maintenance and testing of lifeboats.

#8 Hotwork

Ensure spaces are free on flammable materials and gases before working where flame is used or sparks may be produced.

#9 Stop

Ensure all staff are empowered to STOP WORK and intervene where uncomfortable