Steamship Mutual: Key risks when working on deck in bad weather

According to Steamship Mutual, while there is a significantly higher exposure to the environment when working on an open deck during adverse weather, there can also be significant risks present in what could be considered sheltered workspaces. Activities may be urgently required to secure the safety of the vessel and its crew.

Risks must always be properly identified, evaluated, and mitigated as far as reasonably practicable, particularly when working on and below deck in adverse weather. Risk assessments, procedures, toolbox talks and the appropriate permit to work are particularly important before commencing any task.

Contributory factors to heavy weather injury could include:

• Vessel motions – rogue waves varying in direction and size could induce a sudden and severe roll. Similarly, parametric rolling could result in a dangerous situation on board. 
• Housekeeping issues – leaks, spills, litter, loose / unsecured floorplates, and other hazards such as unsecured doors, hatches or other accessways etc
• Tripping hazards (design / construction)
• Slippery decks (wet / icing / oily)
• Illumination, ventilation, and air quality
• Noise, vibrations, and other physical attributes
• Hot surfaces
• The need to lift/move heavy loads
• Condition of ladders, walkways, floorplates, railings, and their appendages such as safety riggings including lifelines, fall arrestors etc.
• Fatigue and mental occupational health
• Emergency situations
• Need for access to:
• Unmanned Machinery Spaces
• Cargo spaces

Appropriate PPE could help prevent a serious injury and improve the chances of survival and rescue if a person is washed overboard. In winter conditions the casualty would certainly be affected by cold water shock and hypothermia would soon set in, resulting potentially in unconsciousness and death. Wearing proper PPE such as an immersion suit and a lifejacket can significantly increase the seafarer’s chances of survival, and rescue.

Factors compromising survival in cold water:

• Human body cools 4 to 5 times faster in water than in air. 
• Initial response upon immersion in cold water may include the inability to hold one’s breath, an involuntary gasp followed by uncontrollable breathing and an inevitable increase of stress on the heart. These responses normally last for about 3 minutes and are the body’s reaction to a sudden fall in skin temperature.
• Long-term immersion cools vital organs such as the heart and lungs to hypothermic levels, depending on factors such as wearing warm clothing. 
• The survival time in sea water, at a temperature of 5 °C, wearing only working clothes, is predicted to be less than an hour. 

UK’s Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) 2024 addresses these risks in the Chapter 11 – Safe movement on board ship. COSWP 2024 Ch11/11.11 Adverse Weather states: 

• When expecting adverse weather rig lifelines in appropriate locations on deck.
• Nobody should be on deck in adverse weather unless it is necessary  for the safety of the ship or life at sea. Where possible delay the work until conditions have improved; for example, until daylight or the next port of call. 
• Inspect the lashings of all deck cargo. Tighten them, as necessary, when rough weather is expected and check them periodically as conditions allow. Secure the anchors, and ft and seal the hawse and  spurling pipe covers, regardless of the expected voyage duration. If ventilation to storerooms has temporarily been stopped during bad  weather, seafarers should not enter until the enclosed space entry  procedures have been completed (see section 15.1.7). 
• The master should authorise any work on deck during adverse weather and the bridge watch should be informed. Do a risk assessment, and complete a permit to work  and a company checklist for work on deck in heavy weather. 
• Any seafarers who need to go on deck during adverse weather should wear a lifejacket suitable for working in, a safety harness  (which can be attached to lifelines) and waterproof personal protective equipment (PPE) including full head protection. They should have a water-resistant UHF radio; also consider providing a  head-mounted torch. 
• Seafarers should work in pairs or in teams and be supervised by a  competent person . 
• Consider using stabilising fins (if fitted) to reduce rolling, and adjusting the vessel’s course and speed to mitigate the conditions  on deck. If possible, visible communication should be maintained with the bridge; if not, use another continuous means of communication. 

Furthermore, COSWP 2024 Ch11/ 11.11.8 draws attention to points that are often overlooked:

• Watch out for tripping hazards and protrusions such as pipes  and framing.
• Be aware that the ship could roll suddenly or heavily at any time.
• It is dangerous to swing on or vault over stair rails, guardrails  or pipes.
• Jumping off hatches can cause injuries.
• Keep manholes and other deck accesses closed when not in use;  put up guardrails and post warning signs they are open.
• Clean up spillages (e.g., of oil, chemicals, grease, soapy water) as  soon as practicable.
• Treat areas made slippery by snow, ice or water with sand or  another suitable substance.
• Place warning signs to indicate where there are temporary  obstacles.
• Clear up litter and loose objects such as tools.
• Coil wires and ropes and stow them away securely.
• Rig lifelines securely across open decks in rough weather.
• Stairways and ladders are usually at a steeper angle than is  normal ashore.
• Always secure ladders and keep steps in good condition. Take  care when using ladders and gangways providing access to or  about the vessel, particularly when wearing gloves.
• Never obstruct the means of access to firefighting equipment,  emergency escape routes and watertight doors.
• Take care while moving about the ship.
• Use appropriate equipment, PPE and clothing.
• Adapt to changes in sea conditions, procedures or equipment  that could impact safe movement on the ship.
• Take particular care when working in dangerous areas, such  as enclosed spaces or at height.
• Wear suitable footwear. This will protect toes against accidental stubbing and falling loads, give a good hold on  deck and provide firm support while using ladders.
• Take extra care when using ladders wearing sea boots.
• Seafarers and other people on board must take care of their  own health and safety when moving around the ship.
• Everyone must comply with any measures put in place for  their safety.
• Do not operate watertight doors unless you are appropriately trained. Treat watertight doors as if they are in bridge operation mode at all times.