One of the most common mishaps reported to the Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) is slips, trips, and falls on ladders aboard ships.  Ladder mishaps result in more lost work days than any other mishap reported in the Web Enabled Safety System (WESS).

Multiple factors contribute to falls on ladders, including running, carrying heavy objects that obstruct the view and movement, sliding down ladders, and not utilizing the handrails. 

Previous news stories inaccurately reported that the boots issued and sold for use with the Type III Navy Working Uniform may have contributed to an increase in ladderwell injuries aboard ships.  In March, NAVSAFECEN coordinated with the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF), a business line of the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), to perform a new study using an expanded data set and updated analytical techniques to more accurately review ladderwell injuries. The new study concluded that the boots aren’t the problem. 

“Our latest data shows, without a doubt, that the safety boots issued to and used by our Sailors are thoroughly tested by the research facility prior to issue to the Fleet and the boots perform as prescribed by the Navy,” said NAVSAFECEN Commander, Rear Adm. Mark Leavitt. 

"Testing a boot's outsole for slip resistance remains a critical step in the design and development of a new boot," explained Amy Brayshaw, Organizational and Protective Clothing Group Leader, NEXCOM, NCTRF. "No matter the boot iteration, its outsole has undergone extensive slip resistance testing in dry and wet environments. We ensure the outsole's evaluation occurs not only in the lab but, more importantly, in real-world situations and multiple Navy environments to include the flight deck, afloat, and ashore. The ultimate goal for our NCTRF team is to develop a single outsole that meets all Navy requirements and environments."

The extended study additionally pointed out the need to remind Sailors to take extra precautions when transiting up and down ladders aboard ship.  “Commands are encouraged to discuss the dangers of transiting shipboard ladders, specifically addressing slow, deliberate transiting of ladders and using the trailing hand technique,” said Leavitt.   Most shipboard ladder mishaps can be prevented by taking deliberate steps in moving up and down ladders and using the trailing hand technique (THT).

The trailing hand technique is performed by trailing the strongest hand underneath the handrail behind, turning the body slightly toward that hand in order to provide more stepping space on each stair, and descending in a controlled manner.  If a slip or trip occurs while using the THT, physiologically an individual’s wrists and grip on the rail are much stronger, either completely preventing a fall, or directing the fall into a sitting position on the ladder or toward the handrail, preventing injury.

Whether in port or at sea, operating in a shipboard environment will continue to be a key component of Naval operations.  NAVSAFECEN will continue to share information, modern data analytics and lessons learned that focus on helping commands establish and maintain an effective culture of safety.  The prevention of slips, trips, and falls on ladders is one of many lessons learned that the Naval Safety Center will continue to provide to the Fleet in order to preserve combat readiness and save lives. 

For more information on the Naval Safety Center, visit www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen.  If you have an idea on a lesson learned to share with the Fleet, send us an email at nrfk_safe_pao@navy.mil

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Naval Safety Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsc/.