Activity
Lifting Operations
Planning and conducting movement of suspended loads.
Newest 100 Documents
All 1,186 in search- 202612 Aug
Crane Failure Highlights Crane Inspection Gaps
Two platform crane incidents involved failed sheave bearings, a falling boom and a dropped cable and load block. Inspection gaps included omitted pin removal and inadequate lubrication checks. The alert recommends considering revised inspection criteria, scheduled inspections, training to recognise mechanical distress and lift planning around vessel interfaces.
- 20261 Jul
Inspect A2B Systems and Wire Rope Terminations to Prevent Crane Hazards
A lift boat crane incident involved a detached anti–two-block weight, corroded wire rope and falling components. Recoiling rope struck a nearby diver, causing minor injuries. The alert recommends considering termination maintenance, pre-use and periodic inspections, adjusted replacement intervals in corrosive environments, and competence assurance under API RP 2D.
- 20261 Jul
Verify Riser Fin Retention Systems Before Prompts Riser-Handling Operations
Two thermoplastic fins detached during slick-riser handling, creating dropped-object near misses. Findings identified inadequate retention tension, omitted torque verification and 48-hour re-torque, deficient refurbishment and inconsistent checklists. BSEE recommends manufacturer-specified securing checks, design improvements, procedural discipline, vendor acceptance assurance and dropped-object risk assessment.
- 202625 Jun
Serious injury to a crew member on board the scallop dredger Jacoba (BM77)
Investigation into serious crushing injuries aboard Jacoba during scallop dredging in the English Channel. A winch-operated main beam was lowered while a deckhand worked beneath it to clear snagged gear. The report examines inadequate task-specific risk assessments, snag-clearing procedures, familiarisation, crew certification and oversight, and recommends improvements to fleet safety management.
- 20266 Jun
Poorly Maintained Crane Components Result in Multiple Personnel Injured During Transfers
Two offshore personnel-basket transfer incidents involved uncontrolled crane auxiliary-line descents and injuries. Investigations identified uncorrected component deficiencies in one case and inadequate hoist brake adjustment in the other. The alert recommends considering timely maintenance, loaded brake checks, wire-rope fouling checks, stop-work interventions, clearer transfer communications and verified medical evacuation arrangements.
- 202615 May
Safety Bulletin - Lifting Operations Dangerous Occurrences and Injuries
NOPSEMA reviews recurring failures identified in offshore lifting incident investigations over the preceding five years. The bulletin highlights change management, role-specific competence, manufacturer guidance, drop-zone boundaries and control-of-work interfaces. It calls for rigorous application of systems to routine and non-routine lifts and consideration of control effectiveness and assurance.
- 202614 May
High Potential Near Miss: Dropped object due to contact with crane sheave
A vessel crane near miss involved a DP beacon striking sheave protection bars, detaching with its holder and falling to the deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines wire-mounted attachment, absent secondary retention, unconsidered management of change and inadequate access controls, highlighting crane limits and third-party equipment coordination.
- 202615 Apr
LTI – crew member squeezed between buoy and cargo rail
An anchor-handling crew member was trapped against a cargo rail when releasing a remaining lashing allowed a partly interconnected buoy to spring back. The flash describes crane positioning, rescue using a tugger line and aft capstan, and helicopter evacuation. Lessons emphasise checking residual securing and stored energy before moving complex loads.
- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 202624 Mar
BSEE: Crane incident leads to serious facial injuries
This flash summarises BSEE findings on a lifting pin failure during well abandonment aboard a lift boat, resulting in serious facial injuries. It describes stuck casing, excessive loading, incorrect sling positioning and unsuitable procedures, with recommendations addressing free loads, rigging plans, safe working loads and stop-work authority.
- 202624 Mar
Dropped object – strop parted over sharp edge
During a yard stay, an 8.6-ton crane cylinder fell through a vessel’s deck after sharp edges cut a soft sling despite firehose protection. No personnel were injured, but painters were nearby. The flash discusses hard rigging, conditional sling-capacity reduction, risk reassessment and permits addressing conflicting work.
- 20264 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 512 - Crane Incident During Well Abandonment Operations Injures Worker, Reveals Safety Gaps
A lifting pin failed and struck a worker during crane-assisted casing removal for well abandonment. Findings identify obstructed casing, excessive loading, misplaced sling connections and unsuitable procedures. Recommendations address free loads, correct equipment and rigging, accurate safe working loads, hazard awareness and stop-work authority.
- 202622 Jan
Dropped GRP cover during subsea lifting
A GRP manifold cover detached during subsea relocation and dropped approximately 7 m, without injury or damage to the manifold or bottom structure. Findings identified excessive loading during a crane mode transition and erroneous lifting-rod calculations. Revised lift planning removed the mode switch and used deployment lifting points; keeping divers clear prevented potential serious injury.
- 202615 Jan
Fatal injury to a deckhand following a chain failure on the scallop dredger Honeybourne III (PD905)
Investigation of a deckhand’s fatal injury aboard Honeybourne III after a quick-release chain failed and a towing block fell during fishing-gear retrieval. The report examines chain bending, wear, material properties, inspection competence and suspended-load exposure, supported by laboratory testing and finite element analysis. It records company actions and regulatory oversight deficiencies.
- 202612 Jan
High potential dropped object - cradle falls from trailer
Two cradle inserts fell from a trailer before lifting rigging was fully tensioned, with four personnel nearby but no injuries or equipment damage. The flash identifies unstable upright storage, premature removal of securing straps, deficient lift documentation and communication, and conflicting banksman duties. Lessons address lift planning and understanding load geometry.
- 202510 Dec
Crane operator competence guidance note
Guidance for Australian offshore petroleum facility operators on assuring crane operator competence. It explains operator responsibilities under objective-based legislation and recommends crane-specific competency systems covering training, assessment, reassessment and records. Simulator training and manufacturer input are options; certificates complement rather than replace the operator’s assurance responsibilities.
- 20254 Dec
Dropped pallet during cargo transfer
A plastic pallet carrying lubricant drums tipped and fell during a barge-to-vessel lift at an anchorage, rupturing drums and spilling oil on deck without injury or structural damage. The flash examines inadequate securing, procedural non-compliance and crew coordination, and describes improved load checks, secondary securing, toolbox meetings and supervision.
- 202517 Nov
Fingertip crush injury sustained during lifting operation
A rigger suffered fingertip crush injuries while guiding a pressure cap weighing over 2000 kg onto grillage. Its collar lowered as designed when the inner section landed, trapping fingers. Preliminary findings highlight equipment-specific lift planning, hands-free lifting, discussion of load hazards and stop-work authority.
- 202517 Nov
Stay in the right place – the importance of personal positioning
Two events illustrate unsafe personal positioning: a seafarer approached a deck edge during berthing to improve visibility, and workers pushed a suspended load during lifting alongside. The flash discusses communication, barriers, hands-free lifting tools, keeping outside load impact zones, clear decks and stopping unsafe work.
- 20252 Oct
Dropped object due to over-ridden limit switch
A vessel crane operator bypassed limit switches while raising the hook for an overboarding lift. A mini beacon struck the clump weight and fell to the deck; a restraint and sensor cable also parted. Nobody was injured. The flash examines knuckle-boom configuration, override decisions, safety-system verification and safer equipment design.
- 202517 Sep
Unsafe Lifting practices during dry dock
This safety flash describes a stopped attempt to lift 14 empty oil drums with only a web sling during dry-dock vessel repairs. It identifies inadequate contractor oversight, absent task-specific risk assessment and communication, and underestimated falling-load hazards. Lessons emphasise closer supervision, lifting training, toolbox talks and stop-work authority.
- 20254 Sep
BSEE: Electromagnetic lifting device dropped steel plate
This safety flash summarises a BSEE incident in which a steel plate detached from a worn magnetic lifting device, fell approximately 1.2 m and injured two workers’ feet. It discusses inadequate task hazard analysis and stop-work culture, alongside recommendations for inspections, load testing, power stability and electromagnetic lifter operating procedures.
- 20254 Sep
Hand crushed during coiled tubing reel handling
A worker suffered severe hand injuries and partial amputations of three fingers while aligning a coiled tubing reel into a cradle. A securing frame shifted and trapped the hand. The flash identifies entrapment-prone design, inadequate instructions and incomplete risk assessment, recommending hands-free guiding, equipment familiarisation and improved toolbox talks.
- 202514 Aug
Injury sustained while operating steel lifting magnet
A crew member suffered a cheek cut requiring fifteen stitches when a steel lifting magnet’s spring-loaded lever recoiled during adjustment. The flash also describes an earlier chin injury involving the same magnet. It examines lever accessibility, maintenance gaps and faded warnings, recommending regular inspection, fault reporting and equipment suitability evaluation.
- 202514 Aug
Shore-side crane boom collides with vessel mast
A dock crane boom struck a vessel mast during shipyard lifting, dislodging wind and GPS sensors onto the deck. The flash describes poor visibility, ineffective banksman positioning and crane movement without signals. Discussion actions emphasise banksman roles, clear communication and providing dockyard management with vessel layout and dimensions before operations.
- 2025Aug
Excavators : Use of safety control lever or isolation devices
This safety notice addresses unintended excavator movement and correct use of safety control levers or isolation devices. It describes a fatal crushing during lifting after inadvertent joystick contact caused slewing, and sets out expectations for isolation, monitoring, safe-approach communication, risk assessment and operator and slinger competence.
- 20259 Jul
Hose Recoil Strikes Banksman
During scheduled replacement of a potable-water bulk hose on a MODU, a crane lifted one end while the hydraulic reel paid out the hose for deck coiling and backload. The hose separated within a ferrule near the lifting point, recoiled towards the bulk loading station and struck the banksman.
- 20256 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 500 - Dropped Steel Plate Due to Defective Lifting Device and Inadequate Hazard Analysis
A steel plate released from a worn magnetic lifter during drilling operations, falling approximately 47 inches onto two workers’ left feet. The alert identifies inadequate task hazard analysis and reluctance to stop work. Recommendations address lifting-device inspection, functional testing, safety communication, and electromagnet power stability and duty-cycle limits.
- 20254 Jun
Injury to thumb during lifting operations
During vessel demobilisation alongside, a crew member injured his thumb when a crane-held load was lowered onto a flatbed trailer while he repositioned a wooden block. The flash identifies unclear signalling and possible perceived pressure, and recommends lift planning, toolbox talks, agreed communication protocols and safe positioning around loads.
- 202516 May
Unintended Cargo collision during lifting operations
During vessel-to-vessel backloading, sudden rolling disrupted cargo positioning and the load struck adjacent cargo on the receiving deck. Limited clearance, inadequate load stabilisation and delayed communication contributed. The flash highlights toolbox talks, assessment of vessel movement risks, improved coordination and readiness to stop work.
- 20257 May
Dropped Object Due to Corroded Deluge Flange
Following placement of a lower completion assembly, a retracting crane’s twin hook stinger swung and struck a deluge-line blanking flange. The 4.95 kg flange detached and fell 4.5 metres onto the drill floor, landing approximately 1.5 metres from the nearest person. The incident was classified as having fatality potential.
- 20253 Apr
Incidents occurring during decommissioning
This safety flash compiles decommissioning incidents involving offshore structures, lifting and diving work. Cases include falling loads, damaged rigging, structural collapse, chemical exposure and underwater burning. It summarises breaches of selected life-saving rules and records a riser recovery incident in which personnel remained clear of the lifting area and escaped injury.
- 2025Apr
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 9 (April 2025)
This superyacht incident digest examines a post-dry-dock fire, unsuitable crew accommodation during repairs, drug use, inadequate provision for working aloft, a falling crane hook, fatigued anchoring and unrecognised enclosed spaces. Commentary addresses safety culture, equipment readiness, familiarisation, design feedback and atmospheric testing.
- 202519 Mar
Injuries during lifting operations
Two lifting incidents caused minor injuries: crane two-blocking parted a wire and dropped lifting gear, while excess loading of a soft sling released a shackle during component alignment. Common findings concerned operator competence, supervision and line-of-fire awareness. Lessons emphasise experienced personnel, active supervision and keeping people clear of danger.
- 20256 Mar
Diver lifted off seabed
A diver’s umbilical snagged on another bell’s clump weight, lifting the diver approximately 4–5 m above the seabed during adjustment. Services remained intact. The flash describes stopping the operation and clearing the umbilical, and recommends second-diver or ROV monitoring when divers pass close to objects being lifted.
- 20256 Mar
Divers helmet struck and damaged subsea by crane hook
A crane hook slipped from a pipe handling frame during subsea spool tie-in work in poor visibility, striking and irreparably damaging a diver’s reclaim helmet without injury. The flash identifies insufficient pennant length and discusses safe separation, position monitoring, reinforced communication, rigging inspections and revised task hazard analysis.
- 20256 Mar
MAIB: Very serious leg injury during crane operations
An IMCA flash summarises a MAIB investigation into a second officer’s leg injury aboard Kommandor Orca. His leg was trapped in a deck crane’s rack-and-pinion traversing mechanism, requiring below-knee amputation. Findings highlight unsafe local operation, omitted permit hazards, absent onboard operating procedures and flawed training.
- 202520 Feb
LTI: Fall from height during FRC maintenance
A mechanic reinstalling a fast rescue boat engine on a laid-up vessel lost balance while standing on a cable-covering pipe and fell 2.33 m to the main deck, fracturing his left leg. The flash identifies absent fall protection, risk assessment, toolbox discussion and supervision, and stresses planning and stop-work authority.
- 202523 Jan
Safety Flashes – a review of 2024
Reviews IMCA’s 2024 Safety Flashes, covering 88 member-shared events and 33 drawn from public sources. Highlights line-of-fire exposure, hand and finger injuries, bypassed safety controls, lifting, working at height, equipment failures and dropped objects. Includes a reference list of the year’s flashes and reinforces stop-work authority.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 79 (Summer 2025)
Six confidential maritime reports examine heavy-weather fatalities, navigational audit findings, lifting entanglement, a pilot boarding fall, obstructed firefighting equipment and exposure to residual acid fumes. Commentary connects operational shortcomings with communication, supervision and safety culture, with separate lessons for seafarers, ship managers and regulators.
- 202417 Dec
High potential: spontaneous opening of hydraulic release shackle (HRS) pin
A hydraulic release shackle opened during vessel lifting operations, dropping approximately 4–5 metres and remaining suspended by its hydraulic hose. Nobody was harmed. Subsequent checks identified damage to two shackles. Findings highlighted an unassessed change to the hydraulic set-up, procedural non-compliance and inadequate communication; lessons emphasise change control and stopping work when uncertain.
- 202427 Nov
LTI: Finger injury during emergency recovery of ROV
During emergency ROV recovery using an FRC and crane, a worker’s left ring finger was pinched while releasing a hook secured to the crane wire, causing amputation to approximately the nail bed. The flash identifies an unplanned, unassessed release step and records revised procedures, risk assessment and regular recovery training.
- 202427 Nov
NTSB: Crane wire failure
This safety flash recounts a crane wire failure during offloading of a 69-tonne wind turbine nacelle into a cargo vessel’s hold. Undetected corrosion and strand-wire wear were the probable cause. It explains how grease concealed corrosion despite routine inspections and maintenance, and highlights inspection requirements and condition-dependent wire replacement intervals.
- 202411 Nov
Snagging hazards
Two unrelated snagging incidents involved a cargo container catching on a deck light guard and a lifejacket strap engaging a tug’s anchor clutch. Slings parted in the first case; the anchor chain parted in the second. Lessons address visibility, crew communication, winch pre-use inspections and adequately sized clutch securing pins.
- 202424 Oct
Dropped sheave and clump weight
During wind turbine monopile installation, a clump weight was hoisted into a sheave, breaking it and dropping both components onto the deck. No injuries occurred, but equipment damage and a hydraulic oil spill resulted. The flash highlights simultaneous winch operation, inadequate observation, absent automatic stops and lessons on lift oversight and stopping unsafe work.
- 202424 Oct
Main Crane failure during load test
An offshore crane overload test ended with broken main-block wires and two cargo barges falling into the water. Uneven drum torque followed clutch-pad slipping, linked to inadequate burnishing of new pads. The vessel listed approximately nine degrees; nobody was injured. Lessons cover burnishing, torque testing, planned maintenance and crane FMEA review.
- 20248 Oct
Lifting Incident on Pipe Deck
The supplied excerpt describes a third-party inspector arriving by helicopter, receiving an induction and being taken to completion tools on the pipe deck. Deck crew subsequently resumed transferring seven-inch casing joints to a catwalk machine with a knuckle boom crane and gripper yoke. No incident outcome is provided.
- 202419 Sep
Injury to person during deck crane operations on board survey and supply vessel Kommandor Orca
This investigation examines a second officer’s leg injury during rail-mounted crane operations aboard Kommandor Orca at Portland. It analyses use of emergency-only local controls, entanglement in unguarded rack and pinion gearing, deficient vessel-specific procedures and training, and overlooked hazards. Company actions included remote operation, revised procedures and additional guarding.
- 20243 Sep
Near miss: lift bag released unintentionally from crane hook
A lift bag detached from a crane hook at the splash-zone during a saturation dive and floated near a vessel operating in DP mode. Incorrect folding and attachment allowed buoyancy to defeat the self-locking latch. No harm occurred. The flash recommends risk assessment, rigging checks and a tool basket.
- 20243 Sep
Offshore platform decommissioning near miss
Two workers escaped injury when offshore platform topsides detached and swung above them during decommissioning in Western Australia in 2021. The flash examines inadequately assessed crane auto-tensioning forces and pre-load tension, and outlines technical lift-plan assessment, castellated cuts where rotation is possible, and keeping workers clear of suspended loads.
- 202429 Aug
Parted tag line caused damage during lifting operations
A tag line failed under excessive tension during crane recovery of a 2.4-tonne LiDAR buoy to a vessel deck. Unexpected buoy movement struck a worker without injury and damaged the buoy and vessel. The flash examines deficient recovery procedures, lift planning, briefing, supervision and training, and records corrective planning and training actions.
- 20241 Aug
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Angelena
Investigation of Angelena’s capsize and sinking during single-handed catch recovery off Exmouth. It examines excessive suspended net loading, low fuel levels, vessel modifications and absent stability testing. The report also analyses crewing assumptions in risk assessments, stability training and lifesaving arrangements that helped the uninjured skipper survive.
- 2024Aug
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 7 (August 2024)
Six superyacht reports examine tender lifting-point failure, fouled anchors near a lee shore, an open shell door, a fall during window cleaning and unsafe diving arrangements. Commentary emphasises thorough risk assessment, properly completed work permits, reliable equipment, crew communication and isolation during underwater maintenance.
- 202431 Jul
Dropped object: unsecured cargo inside box broke lose and fell
A safety flash describes unsecured cargo falling approximately 5 m onto a vessel deck during a quayside lift. A loose hydraulic ram broke its crate and destabilised the pallet assembly. Nobody was injured. Recommendations address cargo securing, competent inspection, trained lifting crews, pallet limitations and wind checks.
- 202416 Jul
Bunker hose damaged during connection
During offshore bunkering, a hose secured to a supply vessel’s aft bollard remained attached to another vessel’s crane. Relative vessel movement stretched and damaged its outer layer, prompting cancellation. The flash describes a risk assessment review and bridge communication requirements to avoid tying off crane-connected hoses where possible.
- 20242 Jul
ROV dropped to seabed
An ROV fell to the seabed after recovery-system latching problems and umbilical separation. Cold, dirty grease slowed the latch, while the operator could not see the locked-position indicator. The flash identifies maintenance, procedure and supervision shortcomings and describes cleaning, functional verification and renewed procedural assurance.
- 202418 Jun
Swinging load after loss of position
During backloading of an empty refrigerated container, a Pipe Supply Vessel lost position and the load swung uncontrollably. Wind gusts, thruster wash and loss of a thruster DP signal contributed. Nobody was harmed and equipment was undamaged. Lessons address vessel-to-vessel operational limits, cargo-lifting procedures and adherence to ASOGs.
- 202418 Jun
UK MAIB: Person injured during lifting of compressor
A contractor was crushed beneath a suspended 1865 kg compressor when a departing vessel rolled slightly. The flash examines unsuitable lifting attachments, unsecured steel bars and an offset centre of mass. It stresses competent lift planning, appropriate supervision and coordination with vessel personnel over departure timing and environmental conditions.
- 20243 Jun
Dropped lifting beam due to parted soft strop
A four-tonne lifting beam fell 50 cm to deck when a one-tonne soft strop parted during relocation. The account identifies an unchecked load weight and a sharp pad-eye edge, with no injuries reported. Actions address edge protection, alternative rigging, verification of load weight and lifting capacity, and stopping uncertain work.
- 202430 May
2024-01 64 Investigation of March 25, 2022, Hydraulic Workover Unit Failure Fatality
BSEE investigates a fatal hydraulic workover unit collapse at Main Pass Block 64 Platform #19. Severely corroded structural casing buckled after crane support was removed, and a worker tied to the unit was pulled into the water. Findings examine load assessment, Anchor Spool stabilisation, oversized equipment and unclear operator–contractor responsibilities.
- 202422 May
Crew member suspended above deck by lifting equipment
A trainee deckhand aboard a crew transfer vessel was lifted when his loose work restraint lanyard snagged on a rising hook and wire sling. He fell unharmed between one and two metres onto lifting bags. Lessons address lanyard positioning, clearing rigging of snagging points, communication and stopping unsafe work.
- 202422 May
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) crew member snagged on tag line and lifted off feet
A CTV crew member guiding slings during crane-hook recovery was lifted about 0.5 m above the deck when a tag line snagged or became entangled on harness carabiners. Prompt intervention returned him unharmed. The flash highlights deck positioning and reports the operator’s procedure review and discussions with crews.
- 202416 Apr
Main bell wire rope damaged
During bell recovery after a saturation dive, a broken outer wire rope strand lifted a proximity switch bracket into the sheave, damaging the main bell wire. Operators stopped recovery and freed the bracket. The flash describes design shortcomings, sensor relocation, cutting back damaged wire, a witnessed load test and an empty-bell trial.
- 202427 Mar
Person injured when chain hoist container failed at securing point
A chain-hoist container weighing approximately 30 kg fell around 0.8 m onto a crew member during pipelaying clamp adjustment, causing bruising and contusion. The flash identifies an inadequately engineered modification, omitted secondary retention and incomplete inspection detail, and calls for change management, improved maintenance inspections and secondary retention where required.
- 202419 Mar
Person pulled to deck by fall arrest harness
A swinging crane whip line caught a worker’s fall-arrest wire during moonpool preparations, pulling them to the deck; no injuries were reported at the time. The flash identifies communication, planning and supervision shortcomings during parallel activities, and recommends clearer communication, conditional tagline use and careful harness connection-point selection.
- 202419 Mar
Person struck and injured during lifting operations
During spar decommissioning, a partially attached fire water pump skid came free on a second lifting attempt and struck a nitrogen vessel previously cut 95% loose. The vessel struck a worker. The flash identifies unknown welds, inadequate work and change controls, and ignored crew concerns, emphasising preparation, listening and reassessment.
- 202427 Feb
UK HSE: Crane boom collapse
This safety flash describes a crane boom collapse during preparations to recover a faulty submersible pump from an offshore rig. Debris struck a supply vessel and a snagged cement hose ruptured. The investigation identified an unchecked, incorrectly set limit switch, overridden joystick safety mechanisms and defective safety management. Nobody was injured.
- 202419 Feb
USCG: wire rope hazard management – dropped turbine nacelle
A vessel crane’s wire rope failed during offloading, dropping a 69-ton wind turbine nacelle 2.2 m onto the deck near personnel. Corrosion, wear and monotonic ductile overload were identified. The flash relays USCG recommendations on load testing, lubrication, maintenance tracking, earlier rope renewal, visual inspection and crane-operator training.
- 202412 Feb
Dropped Object
Before laying down a bottom hole assembly, a measurement-while-drilling employee noticed a loose acorn nut on a lifting tool and tried tightening it manually. The employee knew the specified torque was 300 ft.-lbs. but did not use a torque wrench.
- 20247 Feb
Safety warning issued following a chain failure on scallop dredger Honeybourne III with loss of 1 life
This safety bulletin examines a fatal deckhand injury aboard Honeybourne III after a quick-release chain failed during dredging gear retrieval. It discusses wear and inspection difficulties where chains pass over static derrick-head pins, alternative release arrangements, and recommendations for urgent documented risk assessment, mitigation and crew communication.
- 20249 Jan
Chain hoist paid out unsupervised near running main engine
An unattended electric chain hoist aboard a vessel paid out onto a running main engine near the generator drive shaft. A defective pendant button issued a continuous payout command. The flash examines operator assumptions, unsecured stowage and the unused emergency stop, and recommends checks, isolation review and maintenance review.
- 20249 Jan
Divers lifted off seabed by Clump Weight
During subsea diving, taut wire recovery pulled two divers from the seabed to 18 m above their maximum excursion depth, risking pressure-induced injuries. Both reported well after transfer and tests. The flash identifies communication failures and missing lift planning, and describes revised diver-clearance requirements, repeat-back instructions and stop-work measures.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2024
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational craft incidents. Cases examine pilot ladders, navigation, mooring machinery, suspended loads, falls and recovery from the water. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address RIB passenger injuries, dredging-chain failures, fire-extinguishing systems and flotation-device suitability.
- 202318 Dec
Line of fire near miss during lifting operations
A banksman narrowly avoided a structure being landed on a vessel’s back deck; an adjacent container was damaged. Inadequately spaced bumper bars allowed load rotation and were wrongly relied upon for personnel protection. The flash discusses exclusion zones, unassessed changes and differences between planned and actual work.
- 20236 Dec
LTI: Fingers injured during fender lifting operation
A crew member sustained severe finger injuries when a polypropylene hauling rope jerked under swell-induced tension during fender lifting. The flash examines hand positioning, inadequate task analysis and failure to stop work as conditions changed. It discusses glove limitations, rope slack and prompt onboard medical care.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Shifting of centre-of-gravity of load
A banksman suffered crush injuries when an unbalanced container swung during unloading from a research vessel in port. Improperly secured cargo and unevenly stowed weights affected the load’s centre of gravity. The flash discusses load distribution in lift planning, escape routes, and rigging arrangements for lifting unbalanced loads vertically.
- 202313 Nov
Failure of AHC cylinder causing oil leak to deck
An offshore vessel’s heave-compensated crane suffered a hydraulic cylinder failure during jumper installation. Worn seals allowed oil to accumulate behind the piston, leading to end-cover bolt failure. Approximately 150 litres remained contained aboard. Proposed actions address pressure alarms, seal inspections, return-filter checks and planned cylinder overhaul.
- 202313 Nov
High potential near miss: Dropped Paraguard stretcher during drill
During a rescue drill in a crane pedestal, a 12 kg Paraguard stretcher fell approximately 50 m after the descending cable was connected to the dummy’s harness rather than the stretcher. Nobody was injured. Lessons address equipment-specific rescue planning, attachment arrangements, team familiarity and exclusion of personnel from the potential drop area.
- 20239 Nov
Safety Alert 472 - Tote Tank Drain Nozzles Pose Leak Hazard
Two Gulf of Mexico lifting incidents illustrate how protruding tote-tank drain nozzles can strike nearby objects, causing diesel spillage or a cracked weld and minor leak. BSEE recommends considering nozzle positioning, clear transport paths, protective guards, conditional drain securing or nozzle removal, conspicuous marking and spill-response provisions.
- 20232 Nov
Lifeboat davit failure on polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough
Investigates a lifeboat launch accident aboard RRS Sir David Attenborough that caused minor injuries to three crew. The report examines an interlock that failed to reset, likely corrosion-induced piston-rod seizure, omitted checks and maintenance, incomplete davit installation, and shortcomings in operating procedures and crew familiarisation.
- 202330 Oct
Near miss: Dropped object during lifeboat testing
During lifeboat launch testing, a 7 kg turnbuckle and shackle fell 23 m onto the boat near a worker, who was unharmed. The closed turnbuckle concealed inadequate thread engagement. Actions included fleet inspections, replacement with inspectable open turnbuckles and revised pre-launch DROPS inspection procedures.
- 202330 Oct
Serious LTI – Person struck in rigging accident
A rigger suffered multiple serious injuries when rigging fell from a hatch cover during vessel loading. The flash examines oversized rigging, misleading drawings, missed radio instructions and fast thinking. Lessons address crew-aware design, positive confirmation of communications and end-user involvement in developing procedures.
- 202316 Oct
Job stopped safely: safe working load limits exceeded
During practical rigger assessment, a student challenged the suitability of machined eye-nuts for a four-leg chain bridle. Research confirmed that the fittings permitted only in-line lifts, while the proposed angled arrangement would exceed their safe working load. Work stopped and training continued with another load, highlighting questioning and rigging-plan verification.
- 20233 Oct
LTI – fingertip pinched by wire sling
A rigger sustained a serious finger injury while fitting a steel wire sling to a forklift fork, which the operator raised without banksman instructions. The flash identifies complacency, poor communication and inadequate task assessment, and emphasises banksman signals, safe positioning and hazard-focused toolbox briefings.
- 202312 Sep
BSEE: Hazards to Personnel During Lifting Operations
This safety flash summarises BSEE examples of workers pinned or struck during offshore lifting. It presents recommendations on barricading hazardous areas and measures operators and contractors should consider, including careful tagline handling, suitable rigging, clear escape paths, weather monitoring, stopping uncontrolled lifts and maintaining communication.
- 202312 Sep
UK HSE – Worker struck in the face by a crane hook
A worker freeing a jammed paper reel with an overhead crane lost an eye after crane contact with the spinning reel made the hook swing into his face. The flash highlights inadequate assessment of machinery malfunctions, missing instructions, and the need to address non-routine operations and routine violations.
- 202329 Aug
Fatality during transfer of pipes
This safety flash reports a fatality during pipework transfer between a quay and a vessel, with local authorities still investigating. It highlights suspended-load exposure, crush areas and sudden load movement, and recommends access barriers, securing loads against rolling and controlled drop zones adjusted for possible deflection.
- 202329 Aug
Red Zone Hazards Pose Increased Risk to Personnel During Lifting Operations
This alert describes three offshore lifting incidents involving workers struck or trapped by moving loads. It recommends restricting access to red zones and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider careful tagline handling, suitable rigging, clear escape paths, weather monitoring, stopping uncontrolled lifts and maintaining communication.
- 20233 Aug
High potential: dropped chain assembly
A 2.3 kg chain assembly fell 10 m during lowering, grazing a worker’s helmet without injury. Wind displaced a soft sling, whose fibres prevented the hook latch from locking. The flash highlights unsafe positioning, poor visibility and absent communication, recommending correct rigging placement, clear lifting areas and supervision.
- 20233 Aug
Unexpected descent and ascent of mattress lifting frame
A mattress handling frame descended and abruptly ascended near divers during crane operations in active heave compensation mode. No injuries or damage occurred. The flash identifies controller-lock software interactions, obsolete operating manuals and inadequate familiarisation, with actions addressing revision control, operator briefings and protection of the controller-lock button.
- 202324 Jul
BSEE: Overhaul Ball falls to deck resulting in High Potential near miss
A safety flash describes a 350 kg crane headache ball falling 8 m during decommissioning and well abandonment, landing less than 60 cm from a rigger. A snag above the load cell masked slack developing during a blind lift. Recommendations address snag identification, slack detection, crew communication and lift planning.
- 202324 Jul
Chain caught and broke
During removal of a generator hydrogen gland, a chain fall’s pull chain snagged on a cover-sheet bolt and broke, without injury. The flash highlights the transition from chain falls to crane lifting, a lack of task-specific briefing and attention concentrated on the load rather than the lifting equipment.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during lifting operations
A second engineer injured his right middle finger beneath a hydraulic-system cylinder while helping position a pallet during vessel crane operations. The flash identifies missing lifting training, participation without the task briefing, and failure to stop work. It recommends reducing congestion, wearing appropriate gloves and reconsidering work when circumstances change.
- 202321 Jun
BSEE: A warning on tagline entanglement
This safety flash summarises four offshore incidents in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted, without injury. BSEE recommendations address hands-free alternatives, anti-tangle lines, line condition and length, safe handling and retrieval, clear work areas, and agreed communications before lifting.
- 202321 Jun
Davit hook failures
Two vessel incidents involved failed davit hooks: a workboat dropped into the sea without injuries, while a life raft hook retained its position despite a sheared screw. The workboat failure remained under investigation. Actions included suspending non-emergency operations, inspecting dismantled hook components and reviewing maintenance and annual inspection arrangements.
- 202321 Jun
Lifting chains parted – hydrogen embrittlement
Three lifting chains failed during a vessel demobilisation lift, leaving grillage suspended approximately 4 m above deck. It was lowered without injury. Analysis attributed failure to hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion cracking under tensile load. Replacement of the four-way bridle with slings and shackles enabled safe completion.
- 202321 Jun
Near miss: Personnel transfer basket hit structure
During a crane transfer of two people, a personnel basket slightly struck a platform’s helipad netting rail after an unexpected wave rolled the vessel. No injuries or equipment damage were reported. The flash identifies missing vertical-movement limits and clearance criteria, recommending calculated basket movements in lift plans.
- 202321 Jun
Sheave became detached during lifting operations
A sheave detached during recovery of marine geophysical sensors and fell approximately 6 m to the deck, with nobody underneath. The flash identifies installation, change-management and verification shortcomings, including removed secondary retention. Actions included replacing the swivel connection, adding securing arrangements and improving equipment records and written instructions.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: Gantry crane wire parted causing injury
An engine-room gantry crane dropped a 1200kg cylinder liner during generator overhaul, damaging equipment and breaking a fitter’s toe. A replacement hoisting wire was 7 m shorter than specified, preventing effective limit-switch operation. The flash reports incorrect maintenance records, inspections and repairs, and recommends testing hoist limit switches before crane operation.
- 20238 Jun
Safety Bulletin - Hazardous Offshore Work
Following a recent offshore fatality, this bulletin revisits risk assessment for rigging and moving loads. It explains the hierarchy of controls, prioritising elimination and engineering measures over administrative controls and PPE. It emphasises reassessment when circumstances change, executive oversight and statutory duties, without establishing incident root causes.