Ship Management's first safety campaign of the year, which aimed to communicate Odfjell's clear expectations for use of basic PPE, with focus on protective eyewear and equipment, has been completed. The topic was welcomed on board as a relevant and timely reminder, and has since encouraged crewmembers to pay attention to their eyes by wearing the necessary protective gear.
Vessels participated by carrying out the prescribed activities: watching a series of safety video advertisements as conversation starter, case study discussion, and sharing of feedback.
On July 3, Odfjell’s “Eye Care Campaign” was launched on board Bow Prosper. The campaign was held inside the vessel’s Cargo Control Room from 0900H-1200H local time while the vessel was underway from New Orleans, USA to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The activity began with a video presentation where crewmembers watched a set of six eye care safety video advertisements tailor-made by the company for the campaign. This allowed the crew members to have an initial grasp of the scope of the discussion that lay ahead.
The activity continued with the introduction of the Vision Board which encouraged the crew to visualize their wishes and goals in the near or far future and had them put it into writing or drawing on an activity sheet. Behind their Vision Boards, the crewmembers were also made to write down what they believed were hindrances that would prevent them from attaining their written visions.
The activity followed suit with two case studies that each involved a lack of eye protection and hazardous attitudes displayed. The participating crewmembers were divided into two groups and were each tasked to dissect the case studies and present their findings and realizations.
The program ended with the crew members sharing their thoughts and insights on the campaign as well as what they have learned and how they will apply their learnings into their day-to-day activities not just on board but also in their everyday lives. One important takeaway from the activity is a suggestion from the crew to also play videos like the ones presented in this campaign to the crew’s family members during Crew and Allotee Conferences so that the families of our crew members will also have a better idea and understanding of the actual risks we face when working onboard and so that they too may be instrumental in reminding their loved ones to always be safe and work safely while they are away.
In conclusion, the activity proved fruitful and educational for the crew and everyone had imbued in their minds the core message of the Eye Care Campaign: Protect your eyes. Fulfill your vision.
Bow Star conducted the Eye Care campaign activities on the afternoon of May 16: Third Officer facilitated the activities for the Deck and Galley crew who gathered in the officers’ dayroom, while Third Engineer led the Engine Crew mustered in the crew dayroom.
Participants defined their short- and long-term goals for the vision board activity. Volunteer presenters shared and explained their vision board to the crew. There were collaborative discussion and interactive exchange of ideas as well as stories behind their enlisted visions.
The facilitators afterwards presented the Eye Care presentation starting with the various hindrances that may deter crewmembers’ stated visions. Various statistics regarding eye injuries and accidents were highlighted, and case studies were presented.
A collaborative discussion and reflection on the case studies as well as other related experiences from the crew were discussed. Various main points were highlighted, such as complacency in wearing eye protection and the use of PPE appropriate to the performed jobs. The crewmembers were reminded to care for and support each other, to report near misses, and to use the Stop Work Authority when necessary – all essential steps in preventing eye-related and other injuries.
Our colleagues on board Flumar Brasil shared their thoughts about the campaign. Some selected quotes:
“The trends presented by the campaign definitely opened our eyes to reinforce the importance of eye protection on board our ship. In our working environment, we are frequently exposed to dirt, dust, chemicals or even flying debris. Given the fact that our eyes are such an important part of our body, they should receive proper care and protection.
In order for us to be able to keep doing what we love and enjoy our time with family and friends during our off-board period, we must pay special attention to the use of eye protection gear, specifically safety glasses and safety goggles, on our day-to-day activities on board, and encourage our co-workers to do the same.”
Felipe Augusto de Almeida Camara, Third Officer
“There are times when, in jobs that require a certain hurry, there is lack of attention with the proper use of PPE, or lack in the PPE itself, because the crew tends to be more focused on the orders coming from the radio, overlooking their own safety. There are also times when more experienced workers tend to become complacent and disregard the use of full PPE, especially if they have performed the task numerous times without injuring themselves despite the lack of PPE.
It is important to always promote the safety culture on board, so unsafe practices are challenged and corrected, and not passed on to newcomers. Furthermore, it is important for all crewmembers to keep in mind that PPE are always available for use, and that they can also exercise their stop work authority when a colleague is unnecessarily exposed to risk.
All crewmembers need to remember that, once they are safe back home, it is not only them who can continue to fulfill their vision - their family can, too.”
Gabrielle Mattos Dias Michel, Second Officer
“When work is carried out on the main deck while we are sailing, we are exposed to strong winds. This can bring solid or liquid particles that can cause injuries. Personnel who work in the machine room are exposed at all times to tools and equipment with high temperatures and pressures. They also work in an area where it is normal to work with equipment cleaning additives that can also cause accidents. We really cannot rely on our bodies alone; the use of proper personal protective equipment is a must at all times.
Ocular protection is very important, since sight is one of our primary senses that we use to carry out any type of task. Our function on board is to carry out quality work in the safest manner, the reason why the company provides all ships with the appropriate PPE. But it is also our responsibility to take care of our health at all times.
Nothing is so urgent that it cannot be done safely!”
Joseph Pierre Hilario Yupanqui, Second Officer
“Eye care is very important because it is through the eyes that we can identify if there is danger around us, or which is the safe way to go.
This is why it is important to consider that on the ship, all areas outside accommodation are work areas with potential danger for the eyes.
Wearing complete PPE is important for our safety.”
Gian Carlo Dall'orto Cabrejos, Chief Officer
