Activity
Rigging
Selection and use of rigging arrangements for loads.
Newest 100 Documents
All 390 in search- 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.
- 202624 Mar
MSF: High potential near miss during FRC maintenance
During sling replacement aboard a vessel, a fast rescue craft slipped from its davit cradle. Two crew members jumped into the sea and were recovered unharmed. The flash describes inadequate securing, a failed bowsing-line carabiner and gaps in work planning, including missing procedures, risk assessment and permit authorisation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Pipeline End Manifold yoke dropped from 45° position
A vessel rigging team released one restraint while adjusting a pipeline end manifold yoke held at 45°, causing the opposite cargo strap to fail and the yoke to fall horizontally. Two nearby workers were uninjured. Learning addresses unsuitable straps, engineered securing, task risk assessment and management of change.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20233 May
Uncontrolled movement of spreader bar
During preparations for subsea spool deployment, a spreader bar rotated and fell onto the deck and spool as rigging was raised after sea-fastening removal. A nearby rigger moved clear; nobody was injured. The flash identifies shortcomings in hazard communication, lifting sequence, change management and design risk review, and recommends task briefings and debriefs.
- 20231 May
Recent Tagline Entanglements Result in Several high Potential Near Misses
BSEE describes four offshore lifting near misses in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted with loads, without injury. Operators and contractors are asked to consider safer tagline selection and handling, hands-free retrieval tools, clear work areas, agreed crane signals and job safety analysis of tagline hazards.
- 202320 Apr
Near Miss: Personnel nearly struck by rotating chain attached to flexible pipe
During a production flexible’s second-end transfer, residual torsion caused the pipe and an attached 16.5te chain to rotate, nearly striking two crew members. The flash identifies task inexperience, language barriers and procedural omissions, and discusses rigging removal, translated task documentation and restricted access to the pipelay system’s top module.
- 202313 Mar
Lift bag near miss
A lift bag escaped its intended rigging during spool over-boarding and was arrested by contingency rigging. The flash examines inappropriate attachment, undocumented rigging changes, unclear diver communications and task-generic procedures. Lessons emphasise single-person rigging accountability, task-specific instructions, reduced multitasking and thorough communication during personnel changes.
- 20239 Feb
Dropped objects in dry dock
Two vessel dry-dock incidents involved a steering tube falling after chain-block slack caused shock loading, and a hydraulic cylinder pin cap sliding through an uncovered gap. The flash identifies shortcomings in task assessment, permit compliance and interfaces between work teams, emphasising detailed planning, clear responsibilities and coordinated control of work.
- 20239 Feb
Uncertified lifting gear found in use
Shackles and other lifting gear were used aboard a vessel without available certification or inspection reports. Client-supplied equipment from a previous project had remained onboard and missed inspection. The flash describes quarantine of non-compliant gear and crew discussion addressing examination, testing, certification and unsupported colour coding.
- 202221 Dec
Near miss: load lifted without notice putting crew in the line of fire
An offshore cargo-lifting near miss exposed an AB untwisting a sling to potential crushing between cargo and a container when lifting began without warning. Poor crane visibility and communication were reported. Work stopped without injury; lessons emphasise vigilance, stakeholder communication and adherence to deck and stop-work policies.
- 202223 Nov
Connection failure during lifting operation
A tugger-line splice opened while a Vibro Lifting Tool was being positioned on a windfarm installation vessel. No injuries occurred, and an exclusion zone kept personnel clear. The flash discusses possible contributing factors, including unengineered connections and splice quality, alongside actions addressing competence, inspection, maintenance and suitable shackles.
- 202210 Nov
BSEE: Unsafe crane working practices result in injury
A mechanic fractured his tibia when a crane boom dropped during a boom tip changeout. The flash describes omitted rigging and safety pins, deviations from the work scope and inadequate JSA review. Recommendations address stop-work authority, written disassembly procedures, pinch-point awareness and realistic first-aid drills.
- 202224 Oct
BSEE: Stored Energy in Slings Causes Multiple Injuries
This flash summarises BSEE reports of facial injuries to offshore personnel in the Gulf of Mexico from released energy in slings and a dislodged shackle. Recommendations for consideration address body positioning, rigging checks, work procedures, hazard awareness, stop-work rights, and increased training and supervision for inexperienced crew.
- 202224 Oct
Damage to chain hoist subsea
During subsea clamp installation by divers, a centralising chain block became trapped at the clamp hinge, damaging a chain link but not the clamp. Worksite checks were insufficiently frequent, and procedures omitted entanglement and snagging prompts. The member revised procedures and raised awareness of chain-hoist snagging hazards.
- 202224 Oct
Failure of slings during loading operations
A forklift transported a large tank suspended by nylon slings over rough ground at a land-based location. Two slings failed, dropping and damaging the tank without injuries. The flash identifies unprotected sharp edges and likely high dynamic loads, recommending edge protection and considering alternative lifting arrangements.
- 202220 Jul
Unsafe Working Practices Result in Crane Injury
A mechanic sustained a severe leg fracture when a crane boom dropped during a boom tip changeout. The alert describes omitted rigging and safety pins, shortcomings in job safety analysis, and lifesaving first aid. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider stronger task reviews, written disassembly procedures and stop-work practices.
- 202229 Jun
Stored Energy in Slings Causes Multiple Injuries
BSEE describes three Gulf of Mexico incidents in which stored energy in slings or a trapped shackle caused facial injuries. Two involved short-service employees. Operators and contractors are advised to consider stronger hazard communication, rigging procedures, body positioning, stop-work reinforcement, and additional training and supervision.
- 20224 May
Riggers injured while disconnecting rigging
Three riggers were injured while disconnecting timber-pad rigging on a nearshore cargo barge. Unexpected vessel movements tensioned the slings, striking an arm and two workers’ hands. The flash identifies insufficient slack and premature disconnection, emphasising allowance for vessel motion, supervisor instructions and consideration of leaving rigging attached.
- 202221 Apr
Communications: LTI finger injury during lifting operations
A rigger suffered a crushed ring finger requiring fingertip amputation during vessel demobilisation, when hoisting began with a hook still attached to a container lifting eye. The flash examines disputed hand signals, inadequate lift planning, unclear banksman responsibilities and unsuitable glove impact ratings, recommending clearer communication and documented demobilisation planning.
- 20228 Apr
Riggers struck/trapped by pipe section
This safety flash describes riggers struck by a suspended pipe moving sideways during transfer to a pipelayer conveyor, with one trapped against a handrail and suffering a back fracture. Findings address crane slew, supervision and conflicting positioning instructions. Lessons emphasise confirmed communications, clearly defined safe positions and maintaining awareness during repetitive work.
- 20221 Apr
MSF: Unsafe Cargo Transfer Using Pallets
Two pallet cargo-transfer incidents involved deck-board failure under lifting-strop tension and a box falling after a pallet contacted nearby gangway slings. The flash identifies missed hazards in planning, risk assessment and toolbox talks, explains pallet load-distribution limitations, and recommends securing all lifted items.
- 202231 Mar
Breakdowns in Communication and Preparation Lead to Failure of Synthetic Slings
Two polyester slings failed during gantry-crane demobilisation, dropping the load approximately six feet onto deck infrastructure without injuries. The alert identifies inadequate lift planning, procedures, job-specific hazard analysis, weight calculations and rigging capacity, alongside reluctance to stop work. Recommendations address preparation, communication, load verification and reassessment of unsafe work.
- 202217 Feb
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container - FIBC - Parted Straps Result in Near Misses
This alert describes three Gulf of Mexico incidents involving failed bulk-bag straps in September and October 2021. It discusses weather exposure, ultraviolet degradation and inadequate storage, and recommends considering capacity checks, pre-lift inspection, improved storage, alternative basket lifting and four-point rigging to reduce load failures.
- 202228 Jan
Near miss: Diver's umbilical drawn beneath a load
A diver’s umbilical was drawn beneath a GRP cover by suction during rigging hook-up. Vessel heave unexpectedly lifted the cover while crane active heave compensation was in use. The soft seabed prevented damage, with no service interruption or injuries. The risk assessment had not identified this umbilical movement hazard.
- 20218 Nov
Hand pinched between cable and cable roller frame
A cable-lowering operation trapped a supervisor’s hand against a roller-table post, causing a laceration despite a protective glove. The flash identifies omitted cable movements in the task risk assessment, absent task-specific briefing and inadequate pinch-point marking. It highlights unused stop-work authority and recommends worksite risk assessment review.
- 20211 Oct
Serious incident: topsides started swinging during lifting
A topsides became unstable and lifted prematurely while connected to pre-tensioned rigging, with personnel on the substructure and crane vessel. The flash identifies incomplete assessment of pre-tension, crane-tip movements and post-cut stability, and stresses expert verification and consideration of monopod stability sensitivity in future work.
- 202113 Sep
Failed lifting equipment: fatality during pipe erection activities
This safety flash describes a fatal incident at an oil refinery during pipe erection using two wire rope pulling hoists and pulleys. A pulley broke while the pipe was being lifted, allowing the rope and pipe to fall. The rope struck a worker on scaffolding, who later died in hospital.
- 202113 Sep
LTI: person injured when hook parted during lifting operations
Two crew members were injured when an inappropriate spring snap hook failed during lifting of a cable-installation plough depth skid weighing around 320 kg. They were calibrating beneath the load. Actions included modifying and testing the pad eye, training on qualified lifting gear, and revising risk assessment and supervision of crew positioning.
- 202119 Aug
Dropped object – unexpected release of spool
A spool fell to the seabed during relocation using a vessel crane and recertified lifting yoke. Unretracted stop knobs imposed unplanned forces, causing yoke failure. Findings highlight incomplete procedures, limited tooling expertise and misunderstood communications. Actions address tooling design, contractor competence, procedure interfaces and risk assessment.
- 202119 Aug
Lifting complex loads – offloading third party equipment
A rented cherry picker tilted against a vessel’s bulwarks during offloading in port, causing minor damage. The flash identifies shortcomings in crew handover, lift planning and supplier documentation, alongside a rigging clash. Actions address equipment-specific lift plans, certified rigging, vendor information and competent examination before use.
- 202118 Aug
LTI – ankle injury caused during lifting operation
A crew member fractured an ankle and fibula after stumbling while holding a steering line during a rotating jacket lift. The investigation identified an exclusion-barrier breach, insufficient line length and an impractical alternative tugger arrangement. Actions address rigging-team participation, steering-line checks and verification of engineered tugger arrangements before offshore operations.
- 202112 Aug
Recent Uptick in Lifting Injuries due to Unrecognized Pinch Point Hazards
BSEE describes two lifting incidents involving a shifting Connex box and grating transferred to a motor vessel, causing arm injuries and partial finger amputation respectively. Operators and contractors are asked to consider clearer load-monitoring communication, pre-job reviews, boom positioning, adequate landing space, hands-free standards and continued tagline use.
- 202116 Apr
Hand injury from falling object during lifting operations
A crewman suffered a hand injury when a cement hose swung after its lifting saddle handle broke during recovery between a rig and vessel. The sling had been attached incorrectly, which the deck crew noticed without intervening. The flash recommends stop-work intervention and regular inspection of loose lifting equipment.
- 20218 Apr
LTI during deck cargo operations
A crewman injured his right foot after instinctively holding lifting wires as vessel heave increased the crane-to-deck distance during pipe-bundle transfer. He let go from around almost a metre above deck and landed badly. The flash highlights discussing automatic responses to unexpected events through toolbox talks and risk assessment.
- 20214 Mar
Line of fire: deck tugger wire failure
During back-fill plough recovery, a chain sling failed under increasing tension and recoiling rigging narrowly missed deck personnel. The flash identifies unclear communication of a changed hauling method, uncertain operational responsibilities and failure to follow safe-zone requirements. Actions address toolbox talks, procedural compliance, management of change and shared understanding of tensioned-line hazards.
- 202111 Feb
Rigging failure during riser recovery – soft slings parted
During riser recovery at sea, a 3.8-tonne section fell approximately 2.5 m onto the deck after sharp deadman-anchor edges cut its soft slings. Personnel remained behind barriers. The flash recommends wire rope slings, subject to a risk-assessed exception, and consideration of rounded anchors or welded pad eyes.
- 20212 Feb
LTI: Stored energy – rigger injured leg working on quayside
A rigger suffered a significant lower-left-leg injury during night-time quayside lifting and vessel demobilisation. Identified factors included an accepted risky forklift method for moving slings, blocked walkways, restricted driver visibility, removed high-visibility clothing, reduced lighting, absent port induction and poorly controlled simultaneous activities. The flash encourages stopping work when required.
- 202016 Dec
LTI Incident – Crew Struck by Cargo During Lifting Operations
A crewman was struck in the chest when a crane unexpectedly lifted an empty pipe container during unlashing on a vessel’s main deck. The trapped load delayed medical attention. The flash highlights failure to follow lifting-team instructions and the cargo plan, and reinforces stop-work authority and clear communication.
- 202016 Dec
Serious LTI – Deck crew member struck by termination head/flexible
A deck crew member suffered life-threatening injuries when a flexible jumper swung towards a reel cradle during termination-head unpacking. Rigging slippage and reorganisation were believed to explain the downward movement. The flash stresses treating reel-mounted termination heads as suspended loads, detailed unpacking procedures and risk assessments, and discussion of safe personnel positions.
- 202016 Dec
Unexpected truck movement caused rigger to fall off a ladder
A rigger bruised his leg after a container truck moved while he was removing its final chain hook from a ladder. The flash identifies missing driver briefing, incomplete risk assessment and non-use of the permitted work platform, and calls for clearer communication and formal work controls for third-party drivers.
- 202026 Nov
Rigging failure – Clump weight dropped to seabed
A weather buoy’s 2.6-tonne clump weight dropped to the seabed after a chain link failed during deployment. The selected weight exceeded the design’s 450 kg allowance, and the chain was unsuitable for lifting. The flash recommends formal management of change, thorough lift planning and checks of rigging certification and suitability.
- 202023 Nov
BSEE Establishes Goal to Reduce Lifting Incidents by 50%
BSEE sets a goal of reducing lifting incidents by 50% in 2021 on the Outer Continental Shelf. Drawing on reported incident patterns and human-factor findings, the alert recommends that operators and contractors consider improved pre-work planning, better causal data and rigger training, using SEMS methodology to improve lifting safety performance.
- 202010 Nov
Serious injury incurred while removing wire rope sling from a crane hook
A rigger fractured his shoulder when a wire rope sling rose suddenly during disconnection from a crane hook during vessel mobilisation. The flash identifies stored energy associated with a bend and possible torsion, absent task risk assessment and toolbox talk, and recommends generally landing the hook before disconnecting slings.
- 20204 Sep
Fall of a suspended load on general cargo vessel ZEA Servant injuring two crew
Two crewmen aboard ZEA Servant were injured when cargo hatch lifting gear fell after a shackle snagged and its fibre sling parted under tension. The flash highlights their position beneath the suspended load, the absence of a risk assessment and inappropriate storage with snagging hazards.
- 20204 Sep
Near miss: Lever hoist failure
A lever hoist failed while lowering trenching swords weighing approximately 200 kg, causing an uncontrolled descent to deck. Inspection identified excessive gear wear hidden from pre-use checks. The flash discusses workshop examination, warranty and certification constraints, and changes to rigging recertification, replacement supply and lifting documentation.
- 202023 Jun
Fall of a suspended load on general cargo vessel ZEA Servant injuring 2 crew
Investigation into injuries to two crewmen aboard ZEA Servant in Campbeltown when hatch cover lifting gear snagged and its fibre sling failed under overload. The report examines unsuitable stowage, sling condition, crew positioning within the fall zone, and missing task-specific risk assessment and lift planning. Company actions prompted no recommendations.
- 202022 May
Fall from the quayside into water
A contract worker fell approximately three metres from a quayside into water while slinging a palleted water bag. Substitution of a shorter-reach ROV crane without reassessment placed the load near the edge. The flash describes sling release, loss of balance and self-rescue, emphasising change management, situational awareness and third-party briefings.
- 202011 May
Safety Alert 383 - Lifting Incidents Involving Tote Tanks
BSEE reviews several tote-tank lifting incidents reported on the Outer Continental Shelf in 2019, involving slipping loads, snagging and collisions. It identifies shortcomings in reviewing lift plans and task risk assessments, and recommends that operators and contractors consider measures addressing rigging, load security, safe zones, sea conditions and personnel training.
- 202028 Apr
Near miss: Dropped clump weight
A clump weight fell approximately 30 m to the deck, landing around a metre from a rigger after unintended tugger winch activation pulled rigging against a sheave and released a wedge socket connection. The flash examines control positioning, changed rigging arrangements, risk assessment and management of change.
- 20206 Mar
High potential LTI: Rigger ear injury
A rigger removing temporary rigging aboard a vessel suffered partial severing of his left ear after moving crane access ladders trapped his head against a railing. The flash identifies shortcomings in awareness, communication and modification assessment, and sets out actions addressing access barriers, dynamic risk assessment and documented management of change.
- 202026 Feb
High potential dropped objects from wind turbine Nacelle crane
Two lifting bags fell approximately 60 metres into the sea during lowering from a wind turbine nacelle crane. Both were recovered without injury or property damage. The hook safety latch had failed; incorrect loading was identified as a potential explanation. Actions address safe loading verification and rigging toolbox talks.
- 202013 Feb
Unsafe lifting operations – Potential dropped object
A vessel crane lift of palletised chemical drums using webbing slings exposed a potential dropped load. Plastic film alone secured the uneven lift. The flash explains pallet failure risks, recommends cargo nets for containment while noting their structural limitations, and suggests considering approved crane attachments.
- 202013 Feb
Wrapped cargo slipped during loading and fell
A wrapped hot air duct weighing over six tonnes slipped during loading after incorrect centre-of-gravity and lifting-point markings were used. One side struck the deck while still suspended; nobody was injured. The flash discusses loose saddles, inadequate friction, unclear responsibility and an overridden STOP call, with actions on procedures and stop-work authority.
- 201922 Nov
Crush injury to hand while attempting to secure crane hook
A rigger suffered severe hand and wrist injuries while tying a crane hook to a deck handrail with polypropylene rope. Vessel rolling moved the inadequately stabilised hook towards the railing. The flash examines premature approach, banksman intervention, assessment of high-risk sub-activities and stopping unsafe work.
- 201922 Nov
Hand injury during lift operations
A worker sustained hand injuries while removing timber beneath a crane outrigger pad suspended from forklift tines using webbing slings. The pad caught on a tyre, swung and fell after a sling released. The flash reports inadequate planning, assessment and supervision, a ban on free rigging, and pending reviews of forklift lifting arrangements.
- 201919 Jul
Safety Alert 361 - Multiple Crane Incidents during Heavy Lifting Operations
This alert summarises three Pacific Outer Continental Shelf crane incidents involving a handrail used as a fall-protection anchor, wave-driven boat movement and an unsecured gin pole. BSEE recommends operators consider job-specific staging and hazard analysis, review changed lifting conditions, verify certification and prohibit anchoring fall-protection lanyards to handrails.
- 201916 Jul
Dropped flexible pipe incident
A six-tonne riser test piece fell approximately 23 m when a laced round sling slipped during reversal of a lift. Nobody was injured. The flash identifies incorrect sling configuration, absent change management and inadequate preparation, and highlights intervention, equipment checks, hazard assessment and clear rigging guidance.
- 201928 May
Dropped load – water
During an inter-deck lift aboard a vessel, bottled water fell approximately 11 m after the load struck an intermediate bulk container. Nobody was injured; the area below was barricaded. The flash identifies inadequate lift planning and recommends reviewing slinging, securing and stores positioning to minimise lifts at sea.
- 201928 May
High potential near miss – unsecured sheave
This safety flash describes a vessel near miss in which inadvertent control activation moved a power swivel, changing a tagline’s orientation and opening a sheave gate. A 40 kg assembly remained suspended above crew. Lessons address console design, sheave installation standards, operator visibility and clearer responsibilities across overlapping operations.
- 20193 May
Rigger sustains injury to left hand
A rigger suffered a hand injury when a lever-hoist hook released during vessel-to-vessel transfer of a product reel. Uncommunicated ballasting changes moved the load unexpectedly. The flash examines unsuitable lever-hoist use, communication failures and unmanaged changes, emphasising lift planning, centre-of-gravity checks and keeping clear of suspended loads.
- 201930 Apr
Safety Alert 349 - Shackle Assembles May Have Condition that Reduces the Ultimate Load of the Shackle
BSEE highlights Crosby’s notice concerning certain half-tonne shackle assemblies that may fall short of the targeted sixfold design factor, despite no apparent field failures or customer complaints. Rated-load use remains acceptable. Operators are asked to consider inventory searches, immediate quarantine of affected shackles and communication of load limits to rigging and lifting personnel.
- 20195 Apr
Near miss: Crewman struck on head by crane hook (Marine Safety Forum)
During cargo transfer on a platform supply vessel, a descending crane hook struck a crewman’s hard hat without injuring him. A snagged lifting bridle diverted attention during shift handover. The flash describes communication failures, inadequate procedural guidance, cargo readiness checks and stopping work when additional handover time is needed.
- 201915 Jan
Foot Fractured Caught Between Shifting Risers
A deck crew member suffered a foot fracture after entering a cargo basket to remove slings from a newly placed slickline riser joint. One of two lower risers began rolling, causing the upper joint to push against them while the worker’s foot was between the lower joints.
- 201821 Dec
Fatal injury during lifting operations – Maersk Interceptor
This safety flash summarises a fatal lifting incident on Maersk Interceptor during seawater pump installation. An overloaded steel sling broke, allowing the pump to fall and its attached power cable to strike two workers. One fell into the sea and died; the other suffered serious injuries.
- 20189 Nov
LTI: finger injury during lifting operations
A crewman sustained a serious hand injury during subsea mattress recovery when another crew member operated a handling beam’s quick-release bar while he freed a trapped sling. The flash identifies pin design, sling width and communication failures, and suggests defined roles, command protocols and consideration of sling-positioning aids.
- 20189 Nov
Near miss: unplanned deployment of PLET outrigger
A near miss involved unintended deployment of pipeline end termination outriggers after a rigger cut a restraining ratchet strap rather than a rope lanyard. The flash examines absent mechanical locking, changed rigging arrangements, overlooked stored energy and informal communication, with lessons on design risk review and robust management of change.
- 201830 Oct
Pallet failure: High potential dropped object during lifting operations
During vessel mobilisation, a basket-slung wooden pallet failed, dropping drums onto deck equipment without injury or damage. The flash identifies normalised unsafe rigging after a pallet lifter was removed for repair, non-compliance and inadequate supervision. Lessons address suitable lifting equipment, possible use of dedicated baskets, lift-plan compliance and intervention.
- 20183 Sep
Diver fatality during subsea lifting operations
A diver died during spool relocation using lift bags at 172 metres seawater depth. Rigging caught the umbilical during uncontrolled spool ascent; subsequent trapping interrupted primary breathing gas. Secondary life support apparently functioned but did not prevent death. Pending investigation, interim recommendations address planning, supervision, documented instructions and stopping work when controls are inadequate.
- 20183 Aug
Wire rope sling failed during lifting operations
A wire rope sling failed during chain recovery aboard an anchor handling vessel, dropping the chain onto the deck and into its locker. Nobody was injured. The damaged sling was discarded and recovery completed with a replacement. Lessons emphasise pre-operation inspections, suitable lifting equipment and a clear deck policy.
- 201827 Jul
Injured finger during cargo operations
A crewman suffered serious finger damage while reconnecting a chain-tackle hook during module discharge from a vessel to a quayside trailer. The alternative method used chain tackles to limit horizontal movement. The flash identifies insufficient management of change and the absence of job hazard analysis or a toolbox talk.
- 201822 Jun
Two dropped object near misses
Two near misses involved timber found on a crane hoist block during a voyage and a securing pin that fell 15 m from lifting gear onto deck. The flash discusses uncertain safety-pin loss, twisted rigging, clearing the exposed area, worksite housekeeping and tool lanyards, and records introduction of a different safety pin.
- 20184 Jun
High potential near miss: worker inadvertently lifted by crane (Marine Safety Forum)
During hose transfer, a crane hook caught a bight in an AB’s insufficiently tightened lifejacket crotch strap. He signalled to hoist and was lifted above the deck and over the vessel’s side, then returned unharmed. Lessons address hook clearance, buddy checks, fleet awareness and discussion of a pause before signalling.