Increase in fall-related incidents on passenger ships
An increasing number of people are being injured in fall-related incidents on board passenger ships operating along the Norwegian coast. Following a decline in 2023 – when fall prevention was a key focus area for the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) – the trend has now reversed, and incidents are rising again.
PASSENGER SHIPS: Falls are among the most common causes of sickness absence on passenger ships along the Norwegian coastline.
When injuries result in absence from work, the need for medical treatment and higher costs, this affects not only the individual employee, but also companies and society as a whole.
In January, February and March this year, 20 fall incidents were recorded. If this trend continues, 2026 could see a further increase.
After a marked rise in fall accidents from 2020 onwards, prevention of such incidents became a dedicated focus area in the NMA’s safety work in 2023.
Increased attention and targeted measures led to fewer incidents that year, but the number has since increased again.
The importance of systematic prevention
The NMA’s review and follow-up of incidents show that several common factors are involved. The most frequent causes of fall incidents include breaches of procedures, inadequate anti-slip measures, unsuitable footwear and work carried out under time pressure.
The NMA therefore emphasises the importance of systematic prevention, a strong safety culture and compliance with procedures and routines in order to reverse this trend.
