Slip-and-fall hazards in the marine environment

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Marine Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Slip-and-fall accidents are a significant concern across industries.
• Standard safety assessments for walkway surfaces often overlook marine-specific environmental factors.
• Existing friction standards may not adequately address the unique challenges of marine environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adequacy of current industry standards for slip resistance in marine environments.
• To highlight the additional factors present in marine settings that influence slip-and-fall risks.
• To determine appropriate safety thresholds for friction coefficients in maritime applications.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of slip-and-fall accident data within marine industries.
• Review of existing literature on friction coefficients and safety standards.
• Comparison of friction requirements for dry, non-marine environments versus wet, marine conditions.

Main Results:

• The generally accepted industry standard of a static anti-slip coefficient of friction of 0.5 or above is often insufficient for marine environments.
• Marine environments present unique conditions (e.g., constant moisture, saltwater) that reduce surface traction.
• Higher coefficients of friction are likely necessary for safe walkways in maritime settings.

Conclusions:

• Current industry standards for slip resistance are inadequate for marine environments.
• Re-evaluation of safety standards for walkway surfaces is crucial for maritime safety.
• Implementing higher friction coefficient requirements can mitigate slip-and-fall risks in marine settings.