Even with all the safety trainings, all the safety equipment we have been provided with and all the safety campaigns carried out within the company in the last five years, our biggest challenge is still, I believe, to get the right attitude reflected through our behavior.
When I read about the catwalk fall accident on board one of our ships, my initial thought was: "Could it be that this accident was caused by the 'I shall only do this or I shall only do that' mentality?"
I later learned that such had not been the case. I still fear, however, that certain seafarers may still have that mentality.
“I shall only check the cargo valve on top of cargo line. It will only take one minute, so no need to walk all the way back for the fall protection equipment."
"We will only lift one drum, so no need to perform a Task Risk Assessment."
And the list goes on.
I believe we have become much more safety-minded, but we need to make sure that the "I shall only" mentality no longer exists within our ranks. We need to stop being complacent, and stop risky operations if other more suitable or safer options are available. And we need to care more about our colleagues.
Glenn Skjelbred
Captain
