Safety Flash
Near-miss: Dropped object: 6kg sledge hammer head
Near-miss: Dropped object: 6kg sledge hammer head
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 12/11
- Dropped ObjectsMachinery and EquipmentWorking at Height
- Dropped objectsMechanical failure
- Working at height
- Hand tools
- Positive retention and reliable securingPre-use checks
Summary
A 6 kg sledgehammer head detached during shackle-pin work and fell 5 m to an unmanned deck, without injury. Inspection revealed handle damage and inadequate tool retention. The flash recommends pre-use security checks, quarantining defective tools and appropriate retention arrangements, with manufacturer-approved lanyard connection points.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Working at height; work at height.
Classifications: Hand tools; hand-held tools; handheld tools.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Summary
A member has reported an incident in which a 6kg hammer head fell 5m (metre) to an unmanned deck.
IMCA SF 12/11. Themes: dropped objects, machinery and equipment, working at height.