WHAT’S AT STAKE

“On land” for marine contractors means that they are working or conducting activities on the terrestrial or non-aquatic portion of a project. There are instances where their work extends to land-based areas such as;

• construction of marine structures, land-based infrastructure projects, dredging and land reclamation, pipeline and cable installations, vessel transportation and logistics

WHAT’S THE DANGER

COMMON HAZARDS MARINE CONTRACTORS ENCOUNTER WHEN WORKING ON LAND

• Working on land exposes contractors to different terrains, such as uneven surfaces, slopes, or unstable ground.
• Heavy machinery and equipment can present hazards such as the risk of entrapment, collisions, falling objects, or equipment failure if not properly operated, maintained, or secured.
• Land-based projects may require working at heights, such as constructing or repairing structures. Falls from heights can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Contractors may need to excavate or dig trenches on land for various purposes. These activities pose risks of cave-ins, engulfment, falls, or contact with underground utilities.
• Land-based projects may involve the handling, storage, or transportation of hazardous materials or substances. These can include fuels, chemicals, solvents, or construction materials that pose risks of spills, leaks, fires, or toxic exposures.
• Marine contractors may need to transport equipment, materials, or personnel on roads, which exposes them to traffic hazards.
• Land-based projects often require interactions with utility services.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

SAFETY MEASURES TO PREVENT ON-LAND HAZARDS

• Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Begin by conducting thorough risk assessments of the land-based work environment. Identify potential hazards, evaluate their severity, and assess the likelihood of incidents.
• Develop and Implement Safety Policies and Procedures: Establish comprehensive safety policies and procedures specific to land-based activities. Clearly communicate these protocols to all workers and ensure they understand and follow them.
• Provide Adequate Training: Ensure that all workers receive appropriate training for the specific land-based tasks they will perform. Training should cover hazard identification, safe work practices, emergency procedures, proper use of equipment and tools, and any applicable regulatory requirements.
• Use Proper Equipment and Tools: Provide workers with suitable and well-maintained equipment and tools for land-based activities. Ensure that machinery is operated only by trained and authorized personnel.
• Implement Safety Measures for Working at Heights: If working at heights is required, implement fall protection measures, such as guardrails, safety harnesses, or safety nets.
• Control Traffic and Implement Road Safety Measures: When marine contractors need to work near roadways or transport equipment, establish proper traffic control measures. This may include signage, barriers, flaggers, and high-visibility clothing for workers.
• Manage Excavation and Trenching Safely: Implement proper shoring, sloping, or trench box systems when engaging in excavation or trenching activities. Inspect trenches for stability and the presence.
• Handle Hazardous Materials Properly: Develop procedures for the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials. Train workers on proper handling techniques, and spill response.
• Promote a Safety Culture: Foster a culture of safety by encouraging open communication, reporting of hazards or near-miss incidents, and active participation in safety initiatives.
• Regular Inspections and Audits: Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify potential hazards, evaluate safety procedures, and ensure compliance with established protocols.
• Identify and Assess Hazards: Conduct a thorough assessment of the land-based work environment to identify potential hazards. This includes analyzing the terrain, weather conditions, equipment, materials, utilities, and that may pose a problem.
• Develop a Hazard Control Plan: Based on the identified hazards, develop a hazard control plan that outlines the specific measures and strategies to mitigate risks.
• Engineering Controls: Implement engineering controls to physically eliminate or reduce hazards. Examples include installing guardrails or barriers to prevent falls.
• Administrative Controls: Implement policies, and training programs that address specific land hazards. Develop guidelines for safe equipment operation, traffic management, and emergency response.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with safety helmets, gloves, protective footwear, high-visibility clothing, eye and ear protection, respiratory protection, or other specialized equipment.
• Training and Education: Conduct comprehensive training programs to educate workers on the identified hazards, control measures, and safe work practices. Training should cover hazard recognition, emergency response procedures, proper equipment operation, and the use of safety devices.
• Effective Communication: Encourage workers to report hazards, near misses, or safety concerns promptly. Implement regular safety meetings or toolbox talks to discuss specific hazards and share best practices.
• Regular Inspections and Audits: Conduct routine inspections and audits to identify potential hazards, evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Incident Reporting and Investigation: Implement a robust incident reporting and investigation process to identify the root causes of accidents, incidents, or near misses.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourage feedback, suggestions, and participation from workers. Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of hazard controls, training programs.

FINAL WORD

Overall, being safe on land hazards is crucial for marine contractors to protect their workers, maintain project continuity, preserve their reputation, comply with regulations, and foster a positive work environment.