FINLANDS SJÖFART J SUOMEN MERENKULKU 51
risks, PPE plays a very important part in controlling the risk
faced by seafarers. PPE, when used correctly, reduces the
likelihood of seafarers experiencing harm. COSWP states
that the use of PPE can help to reduce certain injuries,
such as the use of gloves to reduce hand injuries
when handling sharp or hot items.
COMPANY SUPPORT
Whilst the questionnaire did not specifi-cally
ask about the support provided by
shipping companies in ensuring crews had
access to PPE which was fit for purpose,
several of the respondents commented on a
lack of support from their employers.
Specifically, one individual stated that they
PPE PLAYS A
VERY IMPORTANT
PART IN
CONTROLLING
THE RISKS
FACED BY
SEAFARERS
had ‘brought up the lack of glove sizing variety
with superintendent; he said noted’. The seafarer went
on to conclude: ‘I get the feeling nobody really cares.’
A female seafarer suggested that ‘being one of a handful
of females in the fleet, the company don’t deem it cost
effective to supply limited female PPE.’
Some seafarers also shared their experiences of dealing
with shore side when trying to procure PPE for use onboard.
One senior officer explained his experience of purchasing
PPE:
‘The Superintendent was on leave, so there was
no way to approve purchase order for PPE. I ordered
online using my company credit card and got a snotty
email from finance department about using company
credit card despite the fact we have an account with the
supplier.’
CONCLUSIONS
We know that PPE must fit properly for it to be fully protec-tive
and it needs to fit to be usable and therefore actually
worn. Without properly fitting PPE that seafarers can use
in the conditions they are working in, some seafarers may
be harmed. Therefore the findings from this questionnaire
raise several important points which ought to be
further explored. It is clear from the findings
that a substantial number of both male and
female seafarers have experienced issues
with PPE. The issues relate both to PPE
being ill-fitting and the PPE they use being
of poor quality. With regards to poor fitting
PPE, the findings indicate that women
seafarers are significantly more likely to
experience issues than their male counter-parts.
Survey backer CHIRP Maritime commented:
‘The findings of this study validate the concerns of the
many reports that CHIRP Maritime has received on this
matter. It also asks questions of some employers as to
their understanding of the risks associated with PPE and
their duty of care over their employees. To be clear: Safety
is not negotiable.’
WHAT NEXT?
Researchers at Solent University will be conducting more
in-depth analyses to explore the findings in more detail
and consider, for example, any variation in the findings in
relation to various factors such as physical characteristics
and working arrangements.
We also intend to work with shipping companies both in
order to draw their attention to the findings from this
study (and others) and to gain a greater understanding of
the procedures relating to the procurement of PPE. •