Why this matters
Take a few minutes before the task to cover Marine Equipment & Pinch Points. The main concern is lines, moving equipment and pinch/crush zones, so make sure everyone sees the exposure and knows the plan before work begins. Near-water work adds consequences that land-based work does not: a simple slip can become a drowning or delayed-rescue event, and tides/current can change access and equipment position. Rescue capability must be practical for the actual location.
A scenario to discuss
The crew performing Marine Equipment & Pinch Points realizes the closest life ring, ladder, skiff, or recovery point is blocked by material or too far from the actual work position. What must be corrected before someone works over or near the water?
Before work starts
- Inspect PFDs, ladders/gangways, walking surfaces and rescue equipment before beginning work.
- Review tide/current/weather and vessel/equipment movement expected during the task.
- Identify the rescue route and who will initiate/retrieve/rescue if someone enters the water.
- Plan the lift, route and landing area before moving the material, and use mechanical help or a team lift when needed.
- Keep hands and feet out of pinch/crush zones and never place yourself under an unsecured or suspended load.
Common failure points
- Treating a fall to the water as “just a fall” without a realistic retrieval plan.
- Allowing wet/slippery access or tide/current changes to degrade the route.
- Working without rescue equipment/PFDs immediately available for the actual location.
Safe work sequence / controls
- Plan the lift, route and landing area before moving the material, and use mechanical help or a team lift when needed.
- Keep hands and feet out of pinch/crush zones and never place yourself under an unsecured or suspended load.
- Secure staged material against rolling, sliding, tipping or wind before leaving it unattended.
- Maintain clear communication between workers handling opposite ends or controlling equipment.
- If the setup changes or the control for lines, moving equipment and pinch/crush zones is not working, stop the job and fix it before continuing.
Stop and reset the plan if...
- Required PFDs, rescue equipment, lighting or access are not available/usable.
- Tide, current, weather, vessel movement or walking surfaces change beyond the planned condition.
- The crew loses a safe route to/from the work or a workable rescue path.
Questions worth asking the crew
- Where could a fall into the water become a difficult rescue at this exact work position?
- What PFD, ladder, life ring, skiff, or other rescue equipment is available, and can the crew reach/use it immediately?
- How can tide, current, weather, wet access, or vessel/barge movement change the exposure during this task?
- What is the actual recovery route if a worker cannot climb back onto the platform or vessel without assistance?
- Has anyone seen tide, wet access or vessel movement change a safe route quickly? What recovery/access control needs the most attention here?
Make it real on the job
Point out PFDs, rescue equipment, access route and the exact retrieval path from the water.
Close the talk
Before the crew starts, everyone should be able to explain the hazard, point to the control being used today, and name the condition that would make the work stop.
Related authoritative reference
NIOSH Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling · Open reference ↗
This is a practical discussion guide, not a substitute for required training, a competent person, permits, manufacturer instructions, employer procedures, or applicable federal/state/local requirements. Adapt it to the actual task and conditions.
