The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety notice highlighting the serious risks posed by unplanned or automatic retraction of motion compensated gangways (MCGs), particularly in the offshore oil, gas, and renewables sectors. These gangways can retract without warning due to power failures or control system errors, potentially causing severe injuries or fatalities.
The HSE stresses that audible and/or visual alarms triggered at the moment of retraction are not sufficient, as they do not provide users enough time to move to safety. Despite earlier guidance and industry best practices, such unsafe systems are still in use. The HSE is requiring duty holders to review gangway systems, ensure adequate pre-retraction warnings, and conduct comprehensive technical risk assessments. Gangways found to lack proper warning systems must not be used until adequate controls are implemented.
Source: HSE.