The work performed aboard commercial vessels at sea brings inherent risk and Australia has seen a number of fatalities as a result of man overboard (MOB) incidents. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation reported that between 1989 and 1992, 55 deaths resulted from man overboard events. Show
Personal flotation devices (PFD) can save lives in high risk conditions and some newer designs may even be suitable to wear at all times. A study of coronial inquests and other research shows that PFDs can save lives if worn on deck during high-risk conditions where MOB incidents are more likely to occur. Your duties as an employerPCBUs have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their workers, by eliminating or minimising risks that may cause them harm, so far as is reasonably practicable. You also owe the same duty of care to independent contractors and others who may be at risk from the work you carry out. A vessel owner is a PCBU. As an owner, you have a duty to ensure that the vessel is mechanically sound and in a safe and stable condition. This includes providing and maintaining safety equipment on-board, such as marine radios, flares, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and PFDs. As a Master, you have a duty to not put yourself or your crew at risk by your actions (or lack of action), so far as is reasonably practicable. Your duty includes maintaining a safe work environment and safe systems of work. Where the owner and master are different PCBUs, there is also the duty to consult, cooperate and coordinate with each other to prevent risks to health and safety of workers. Further guidance is available from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's General Safety Duties. The types of MOB incidents on commercial fishing vessels that have led to deaths of crew include:
Cold water can be a factor in these deaths. The potential for both types of falls to occur, and a quick response to them, must be addressed as part of the risk assessment and management for a vessel’s emergency planning. Situations that increase the risk of a MOB incident
For further guidance on risk factors, refer to the Code of Practice - Man overboard: Prevention and response, 2010, Government of Western Australia. Practical solutions
Selecting the appropriate PFDThere are specific requirements with respect to carrying lifejackets under the National Standard for Commercial Vessels Section C7A. There are inflatable PFDs available that meet these requirements, some of which may be suitable to wear at all times whilst on the vessel and some that also automatically inflate if a person falls into the water. Example PFD meeting AS 4758 & ISO 12402-3 Type 1 275 NewtonsWhen selecting a PFD, SafeWork SA recommends that PCBUs consider the type of conditions the vessel is operating in; ensuring the PFD provides support to the head and body and is fitted correctly to the individual. PFDs should be worn during periods of MOB risk. Owner and master need to consult with crewmembers to effectively identify tasks and conditions that may lead to MOB events. Further informationAS 4758.1:2005 Lifejacket, Part 1: General Requirements (available for viewing at the SafeWork SA library) Why should you wear a life jacket whenever you are on or around open water?Wearing a life jacket can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 50%. Children and teens should always wear a life jacket when on a boat, raft, inner tube or swimming in a lake, river or open body of water. Although the water may look calm or feel warm, it can be deceiving and weather can often change quickly.
What is a personal flotation device used for?A personal flotation device—also known as a PFD—gives you more buoyancy to help you stay afloat in water. A PFD is an essential piece of gear for every kayaker, canoer and stand up paddle boarder. (Note that a life jacket or life vest denotes a certain type of PFD, though many people use the terms interchangeably.)
What is a PFD and why is it necessary to wear one?Carrying and wearing lifejackets
Wearing a lifejacket can save your life. We recommend you wear one at all times. Lifejackets are also known as personal flotation devices or PFDs. Vessels must carry enough approved lifejackets for everyone on board at all times – even when they do not have to be worn.
Why should we wear a life jacket during boating and other water sports?Even strong swimmers have needed to be rescued or even drowned because they were overcome by the water. Wearing a life jacket can save your life! We recommend that everyone wear a life jacket at all times when near, on or in the water: when wading, swimming, fishing, boating or during any other water-related activity.
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