What is the greatest hazard associated with working aloft or over the side of the ship?

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The biggest danger when working aloft or over the side is falling. Losing balance, a slip, or a misstep—compounded by the ship’s motion, weather, and the distances involved—can send you plummeting to a lower level, onto the deck, or into the water. The injuries from a fall on a ship can be severe or fatal because you may hit hard surfaces, rigging, or equipment, and rescue can be challenging in rough seas. Drowning is a serious risk if you go overboard, but the immediate, most probable danger in this scenario is the fall itself. That’s why fall protection—harnesses, lifelines, guardrails, and strict procedures—is emphasized for aloft or over-the-side work.