The occupational health and safety inspectors for the seafaring sector monitor and provide advice on matters concerning occupational health and safety
Occupational health and safety is a matter for everyone. Employers as well as employees have responsibilities. The most important aspect is preventive work. The occupational health and safety inspectors for the seafaring sector monitor compliance with the occupational health and safety legislation on ship.
At the present time in Finland there are four occupational health and safety inspectors working in the seafaring sector. They are working in Helsinki, Turku and Vaasa. From the beginning of May two more new inspectors will start work in Helsinki. Employees and employers can ask for guidelines, instructions and advice from the occupational health and safety inspectors in matters concerning occupational health and safety.
Cautionary remarks regarding rest periods
The task of occupational health and safety inspectors is to monitor vessels which are sailing under the Finnish flag. However, in the event of a serious occupational accident, the inspectors will also check vessels that are sailing under a foreign flag if at the time of the accident the vessel is in a Finnish harbour.The main part of the inspections carried out by occupational health and safety inspectors on ships are however, specific target-, basic- and check-up inspections.
”In connection with a visit to a ship, we check that all the necessary documents can be found aboard the ship and that they have been updated”, states Risto Lappalainen an occupational health and safety inspector for the seafaring sector from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland’s occupational health and safety division.
During inspections, the vessel’s working time records are also gone through.
”Sometimes there are critical remarks concerning rest periods: people are quite tired and during inspection rounds people are often heard saying that they don’t get enough rest.” says Risto Lappalainen who is worried that people on the ships are becoming exhausted.
Occupational health and safety inspectors are also contacted regarding matters concerning harassment and inappropriate treatment.
”Harassment and inappropriate treatment are also always serious issues in which there must be some form of intervention. Every customer initiative which arrives at an occupational health and safety division is reacted to quickly, irrespective of what the issue is about.”
There must be an occupational health and safety action programme in every workplace
The main responsibility for developing working conditions is the workplace. Every workplace must have an occupational health and safety action programme, which has been drafted by the employer. It is also the task of the employer to clarify and carry out an assessment of the risks which exist in the workplace and to take care of the arrangement of occupational health care services. The employer is also responsible for occupational health and safety activities as well as the costs which arise from improving the working environment.
During the inspection of a vessel, the occupational health and safety inspectors will, if necessary, also carry out a working environment tour.
”The ship will be checked from the bottom of the hold to the top of the mast. The inspection will include the checking of work surfaces, ladders and stairways. The inspectors also often make cautionary remarks regarding the falling prevention equipment of ladders and masts. If an employee slips from a ladder, which has no falling prevention equipment, death could result. This is therefore a serious deficiency in the vessel’s occupational health and safety” warns Risto Lappalainen.
The operation of the air-conditioning will be checked during a working environment tour. Any possible impurities in the air will be checked, if necessary, by carrying out an indoor air quality inspection. It is not allowed to carry out welding work just anywhere. The place where the welding work is carried out must have proper functioning local ventilation equipment. The protection covers of the engines in the engine room and the workshop must be in place and in proper working condition. Also particular attention must be paid to the noise level and vibration which exists on the vessel. In addition the ship’s operational safety notices and chemical lists must be within easy reach of everyone.
”The operational safety notices and the chemical lists must be found in the ship’s galley, the engine room as well as on the ship’s deck. Copies of the operational safety notices and the chemical list must be delivered to the occupational health and safety representative. This is something which is not often known on the ships”, Risto Lappalainen has observed.
Haste and tiredness are often the background to accidents
Risto Lappalainen an occupational health and safety inspector for the seafaring sector has during his work encountered serious accidents, which have even resulted in death. Unfortunately tiredness, haste and rushing are often the background to accidents. This attitude should be corrected.
”Care must be taken when fastening the ship. Don’t over rush and make haste when fastening the ropes! The rope’s line of fire must always be clear – ropes can snap.”
Other situations prone to accidents are lifeboat drills.
”During lifeboat drills safety harnesses must be wore if when the lifeboat is being lowered down there are people on board”.
There is a lot of climbing work carried out on board a ship and falling from heights often causes serious accidents.
”Serious accidents always occur when a person falls from somewhere. During last year, there were three serious accidents. Two of which resulted in death”, explains Risto Lappalainen who is serious as he tells about the accidents which have occurred.
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