Safety Flash
High potential near-miss: Dropped object
High potential near-miss: Dropped object
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 02/16
- Control of WorkDropped ObjectsManual HandlingWorking at Height
- Dropped objectsHuman factors
- Inspection and maintenanceManual handling
- Permit to workRisk assessmentSafety communicationStop-work authority
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A polyurethane block fell approximately 36 metres during removal of upper tensioner castings on a vessel’s tiltable pipelay system. Nobody was nearby. The flash describes strenuous manual handling, a block landing outside safety barriers and an unshared shift-specific working method. Initial observations, subject to further investigation, identify planning, authorisation and communication shortcomings.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Manual handling; manual lifting.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A polyurethane block fell 36 metres during tensioner maintenance, exposing weaknesses in task planning, barriers and shift communications.
IMCA SF 02/16. Themes: control of work, dropped objects, manual handling, working at height.