Compliance with occupational safety is extremely important in shipping. A ship is a challenging working environment because the natural conditions at sea are often changing rapidly. The roll of the sea and the fact that seafarers often move in slippery conditions demands special attention when working on a ship. The expression ”other hand to the ship” must therefore be kept in mind when you are at sea.


Special attention must be paid to occupational safety whilst at sea as well as in the harbour. The periods in the harbour are usually short and busy and therefore it is necessary that safety regulations concerning loading work and working and movement on the cargo decks and cargo holds are complied with. Hazardous factors created by cranes must always be taken into consideration especially during the time in harbour.


Substances which according to the IMDG-code are hazardous are also transported in vessels (especially in tankers and chemical tankers). The handling and protection against exposure to chemical substances must be complied with special care. Nowadays, the tying and untying of a vessel are carried out with a small crew. The work involves many hazardous factors. In many vessels, especially in so called SOLAS-vessels (over 500 gt) the safety management system (ISM-code) must be complied with. Compliance with the ISM-code together with active occupational safety co-operation guarantees a safer working environment on a ship.


By complying with the occupational safety instructions and occupational safety regulations it is possible to prevent beforehand the creation of hazardous situations and provide for employees a safer working environment to work in.