18 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 24 | Q1 2026 INCIDENT REPORT Lessons learned Always consider the risk of slip, trip or fall while using ladders and don’t forget the rule ‘One hand for you – One hand for the vessel’. Incident Description While the vessel was at sea, the 3rd Engineer who was descending the ladder from E/R 2nd Deck to E/R 3rd Deck, slipped and fell at the end of the ladder. As a result of the fall, the 3rd Engineer suffered from an injury of his right forearm, with swelling and potential bone fracture of the forearm. There were no other injuries sustained. Root Causes I. Substandard Actions ●● The Engineer’s left foot slipped, and Engineer lost his balance and fell ●● Improper practice for descending the ladder (i.e. holding tools in one hand while descending the ladder) II. Personal Factors ●● Inadequate diligence ●● Complacency / overconfidence III. Job Factor ●● Inadequate assessment of needs and risks Corrective Actions ●● Immediately the 3rd Engineer was transferred to the ship’s hospital, where the appropriate first aid was administered. The Company’s DPA was also notified. At the same time, medical advice was requested by Master from doctor ashore, according to which the bone fracture has been evaluated as the most possible scenario and further medical treatment was provided. ●● Moreover, as per doctor’s instructions, the 3rd Engineer needed to be transferred ashore for medical examination and appropriate treatment. Eventually, the Engineer safely disembarked and referred to a hospital ashore for the provision of professional treatment. Further medical examination revealed a fractured radius and ulna of the right forearm bones. ●● 3rd Engineer received the appropriate medical treatment and evaluated as fit to fly. Following that, he has been safely repatriated and has undergone the required follow-up medical treatment successfully. At all this time, Company has maintained a close communication with 3rd Engineer and next of kin for any support / assistance. Preventive Actions ●● Circulation of investigation report across the fleet for increasing awareness and analysis of root causes & lessons learned, through a team engagement discussion. ●● Refreshment during briefing sessions prior joining any fleet vessels for all seafarers for Company’s Procedures for Safe Movement on board highlighting the rule – “One hand for yourself and one for the ship”. ●● Evaluation of proper implementation of Company’s Procedures for Safe Movement, along with safety practices and safety awareness, during on board scheduled attendances and internal audits by Company’s Marine & Technical Superintendents and Internal Auditors, while any identified area for improvement / training need will be satisfied on scene. ●● A Concentrated Safety Awareness Campaign was triggered for the reporting of ‘Unsafe Acts’ and ‘Weak Signals’ across the fleet with emphasis on promoting the existing Company’s guidelines, encouraging proactive reporting and fostering Company’s Safety Culture. ●● Inclusion of the lessons learned in the agenda of next seafarers in-house training seminar for increasing awareness. Team Engagement & discussion topics ●● Is it safe to carry tools in the hands when using stairways and ladders (ascending or descending)? ●● Why is it important to always use the handrails when using stairways (ascending or descending)? ●● What should you do if you observe slippery material or an obstruction on a stairway? ●● Was the Stop Work Authority an effective tool for preventing this incident from happen? 3/E right forearm fractured bone
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