Control
Contractor Management
Selection, coordination and oversight of contractor safety performance.
Newest 100 Documents
All 179 in search- 202619 Aug
Improvements Needed In Production Safety System Training
This alert reports offshore production safety training deficiencies identified through audits, written competency tests and fire drills. Findings include gaps in retained knowledge, certification, contractor training oversight and emergency preparedness. Operators and contractors are asked to consider reviewing training arrangements, verifying competence, improving lifesaving equipment familiarity and checking alarm audibility.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20266 May
Catastrophic engine failure and subsequent fire on board the site investigation vessel Kommandor Susan
Investigates a diesel generator failure and engine-room fire aboard Kommandor Susan during sea trials in the Firth of Forth. The report links premature bearing wear to substitute components and inappropriate extended service intervals, examines contractor oversight, and describes successful firefighting alongside emergency anchoring difficulties caused by dependence on electrical power.
- 202628 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 516 - BSEE Identifies Compressed Gas Cylinder Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
Following reported cylinder-failure explosions, BSEE inspected 20 Gulf assets and identified gaps in cylinder marking knowledge, inspection programmes, maintenance and contractor assurance. The alert presents findings on storage, corrosion and recharging, and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved labelling, documented inspections, overpressure protection and training.
- 202628 Apr
Unsecured sheave pin fell from crane
A 1.3 kg sheave pin fell from a third-party crawler crane and was found on deck, with no injuries. The flash identifies incomplete assembly documentation, an undocumented configuration agreement and absent secondary retention. Lessons address configuration records, additional securing safeguards and responsibility for subcontracted equipment risks.
- 202618 Mar
Facility definition includes an associated offshore place guideline
Explains how offshore petroleum legislation defines facilities and associated offshore places, including vessel exclusions and regulatory boundaries. Describes operator duties, safety-case acceptance and revision requirements, validation arrangements and contractor risk-management assurance. Also addresses inspector powers, accident notification and conditions governing the safety investigation levy.
- 202617 Mar
Unsafe handling of gas cylinders
A Chief Mate identified unsecured compressed gas cylinders on the quayside before planned gas cutting and welding during vessel maintenance. The flash discusses contractor awareness, perceived time pressure and unavailable securing arrangements, highlighting approved racks, restraint, contractor coordination and crew confidence to stop unsafe work.
- 202623 Feb
PEMEX Deer Park Chemical Release
CSB investigation of a fatal hydrogen sulphide release during refinery maintenance in Deer Park, Texas. Workers opened the wrong flange on active piping. The report examines equipment identification, permit scope and hold points, interacting maintenance operations, contractor reassignment and operational discipline, recommending clearer marking and work authorisation arrangements.
- 202622 Jan
Umbilical support frame made contact with passing vehicle on public road
An umbilical support frame wing dropped during public-road transport and struck a passing vehicle. The flash identifies missing transport brackets, assumptions about retaining pins and absent securing instructions. Actions address drawing conformity, equipment marking, mobilisation and de-mobilisation verification, planning meetings and clear instructions for those moving specialist equipment.
- 202522 Dec
Criteria for registration and deregistration guidance note
NOPSEMA explains how it assesses nominations and removes facility operators from its registers. The guidance centres on practical day-to-day authority, a single accountable entity and oversight of specialist contractors. It also addresses operator changes across facility life stages, notification requirements, representations before removal and statutory operator duties.
- 20252 Oct
Crane cab access platform collapsed
A vessel crane’s cab access platform collapsed as the operator climbed the ladder, causing a fall partially mitigated by its enclosure without injury. Hidden weld cracking and corrosion caused the failure. The flash questions inspection access, alternative testing and contractor oversight, and stresses surface preparation before repainting.
- 20252 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of the dive support vessel Jean Elaine
Investigation of Jean Elaine’s grounding and subsequent loss in Saint Peter’s Pool, Orkney, during scientific diving support. It examines inadequate passage planning, reliance on an unapproved tablet navigation application, ineffective coordination and unchecked certification. Poor hull condition likely contributed to failure after grounding; university and project procedures were subsequently revised.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 508 -Review anchor-handling plans now Incident damages subsea equipment triggers gas release
A diver support vessel recovering bow anchors snagged a subsea well with an anchor wire. Attempts to free it detached the annulus valve, releasing gas. The alert identifies deficient planning, contractor coordination and emergency readiness, and recommends that operators and contractors consider stronger pre-mobilisation checks, SIMOPS arrangements and anchor-handling plans.
- 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.
- 202531 Jul
Container door opened during transit
A workshop container door opened during road transport back to its supplier, allowing a 36 kg cable reel to fall onto the lorry. The driver stopped safely and secured the door with straps. The flash emphasises securing contents and doors, supplier requirements and pre-mobilisation inspections.
- 20253 Jul
Near miss: worker suffers electric shock
A vessel crew member received an electric shock during oil clean-up on a crane pedestal after brushing an exposed, energised cable. The worker was unharmed. Failed assurance following yard work left disconnected cables live. Actions address electrical commissioning oversight, preferably assigning work to company electricians rather than third-party contractors.
- 202518 Jun
Workplace safety and consultation arrangements guidance note
Guidance on workforce consultation and representation at offshore petroleum facilities distinguishes statutory duties from suggested practice. It explains designated work group formation, representative selection, training and support, committee membership and meetings, information-access restrictions and dispute arrangements. An appendix sets out representative election procedures, including secret ballots and counting.
- 202512 Jun
Frequently asked questions on operator nomination guideline
This FAQ guideline explains nomination and registration of offshore petroleum facility operators and proposed operators. It addresses who may nominate, NOPSEMA’s decision criteria, registration outcomes and statutory duties. It also explains how safety cases document responsibilities and how operators assure risk management by other parties controlling work.
- 2025Feb
Process safety leadership findings of Energy Division inspection programme
HSE reports findings from inspections of UKCS production operators’ process safety leadership, using a consistent framework based on the COMAH leadership intervention tool. It examines leadership competence, contractor assurance, cumulative risk, performance indicators and incident learning, identifying weaknesses alongside good practice and recommendations for duty holders.
- 20241 Dec
Ed Offshore Diving Inspection Guide
Guidance for offshore diving inspectors on examining duty holders’ diving arrangements and judging regulatory compliance. It covers pre-visit documentation, offshore inspections and five-yearly diving management reviews, including contractor competence and system assurance. Enforcement expectations and performance scoring support consistent recording of findings and prioritisation of future interventions.
- 202425 Sep
UK HSE: fall from height injury at container port
A worker undertaking routine maintenance at a container port fell over 10 metres through an opening in a straddle carrier cab, sustaining serious injuries. Contractors had removed the glass floor for replacement. The flash highlights failures in simultaneous-work coordination, risk assessment and implementation of the employer’s working-at-height permit policy.
- 2024Sep
F-Gas Guidance September 2024
Revised guidance for offshore oil and gas operators and service companies explains fluorinated greenhouse gas obligations. It covers technician qualifications, equipment labelling, carbon dioxide equivalence calculations, use restrictions, leak checks and detection systems, recovery and disposal during decommissioning, record retention, emissions reporting, inspection and civil penalties.
- 202418 Jun
Carriage of methanol – dangerous goods – without proper certification
A workboat transported methanol for refuelling a LIDAR buoy at an offshore wind farm without the required dangerous-goods compliance document. The flash describes inadequate vessel suitability, omissions in contractor risk assessment and apparent lack of awareness. It explains certification requirements for methanol carriage and fully fuelled buoys.
- 2024Jun
Asbestos Management
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ asbestos management arrangements. It addresses legal duties, management plans, licensed and non-licensed work, training, exposure controls and medical surveillance. Checklists and enforcement benchmarks support compliance assessment and performance scoring, while distinguishing administrative shortcomings from evidence of health risk.
- 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.
- 202416 Apr
Main bell wire rope failed destructive test
A diving support vessel’s main bell wire rope failed annual destructive testing after 245 bell runs. Investigation linked reduced load-bearing capacity to poor ductility from strain ageing and identified procurement outside company integrity arrangements. The flash calls for compliance with wire rope integrity requirements and oversight of chartered third-party vessels.
- 202427 Mar
Implosion of chemical tank
A chemical tank on a vessel imploded after pumping created a vacuum with its manual air inlet valve unopened. Around two cubic metres of monoethylene glycol spilled onto the deck and into the sea; nobody was injured. The flash examines unfamiliar replacement equipment, supplier assurance, documentation, familiarisation and management of change.
- 202419 Feb
Unauthorised entry into confined space
During barge repairs involving welding and grinding, subcontract personnel entered a confined space without authorisation. A stand-by person intervened and work stopped; nobody was harmed. The flash identifies inadequate barriers, hazard awareness and supervision, and describes strengthened access controls, contractor engagement, permits and training requirements.
- 20237 Dec
Accidental discharge of condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing system on beam trawler Resurgam with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal accidental aerosol fire-extinguishing system discharge during installation aboard Resurgam in Newlyn harbour. It examines electrical commissioning, generator placement, toxic combustion products and impaired escape. Laboratory trials inform analysis of inhalation hazards, while findings address installer competence, regulatory approval, contractor coordination and rescue arrangements.
- 202327 Nov
Case study: Confined space fatalities due to hydrogen sulphide
Three people died during gas sampling in a jack-up rig’s spud can; a standby worker survived exposure outside the opening. The summary links circumstantial evidence to hydrogen sulphide inhalation and examines unsuitable SCUBA equipment, restricted ventilation, unprotected rescue and contractor assurance. Proposed training covers monitoring, correct breathing apparatus and emergency response.
- 202327 Nov
Compressed air rather than oxygen supplied to divers
This safety flash describes divers receiving compressed air instead of oxygen through their built-in breathing system, with two decompression illnesses reported. It examines incorrect gas-quad identification, missing oxygen-fraction checks and an analyser coverage gap. Lessons address supplier oversight, technical competence, investigation training and gas-management verification.
- 202324 Aug
Safety warning issued about servicing and certification after a liferaft failed to inflate during an emergency
MAIB reports liferaft servicing and certification deficiencies identified after Piedras foundered and its port liferaft failed to inflate correctly. Examination of the recovered starboard raft and further inspections revealed expired supplies and neglected components. The bulletin recommends urgent reinspection and servicing of affected DSB liferafts certified by Comfer Marin SL.
- 202315 Aug
LTI – Person fractured pelvis in a fall from a ladder
A crew member fractured his pelvis after slipping from a temporary cargo-hold access ladder aboard a cargo vessel. The flash examines blocked permanent access, an unprotected platform edge, absent risk assessment and change management, and unchallenged subcontractor standards. Actions address contractor assurance, supervision, stop-work authority and safe access.
- 202324 Jul
Fire in diesel generator following tests
A vessel’s diesel generator caught fire during operational-speed testing after alternator bearing replacement in port. A misaligned bearing cover caused shaft friction and sparking; insufficient contractor supervision was considered the root cause. The flash emphasises thorough supervision and post-maintenance testing beyond idling speed.
- 20234 Apr
Hand injury from portable grinder
A subcontract worker sustained a 3 cm hand laceration after inadvertently starting a portable grinder during flowline fabrication at a spool base. The flash identifies incorrectly positioned wheel protection, reduced grinder safety features and lower-protection gloves, and recommends guarding checks, consistent subcontractor equipment requirements and appropriate stop-work intervention.
- 202327 Feb
Poor control of work in dry dock
This safety flash describes several cases of inadequately controlled contractor work on a vessel hull during dry-dock maintenance, including mesh cutting and pad-eye welding. Crew misunderstood vessel management’s responsibilities for external work. Contractors were unattended, task risk assessments were too generic, and company procedures and local safety requirements were not followed.
- 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.
- 202318 Jan
Small fire following hot work
A small fire followed contractor welding of jumper stands aboard a vessel alongside. A rag over the welded area was found smoking and extinguished with water; nobody was harmed. The flash identifies communication failures, absent joint inspection and no fire watch, and calls for contractor liaison, agreed work acceptance and fire watches.
- 202311 Jan
Blocked emergency exit hatch
A routine vessel inspection revealed an engine-room escape hatch obstructed by wire ropes left during contractor spooling work for anchor handling preparations. The obstruction was promptly corrected. Lessons emphasise keeping escape routes clear, improving oversight of third-party work and conducting regular cross-departmental safety walk-arounds.
- 202213 Dec
Near miss: pipe dropped from pipe supports
A pipe fell from temporary easels while a worker turned it during cleaning with an angle grinder and abrasive sanding wheel. No injury or damage occurred. The flash identifies inadequate supports and gaps in manual-handling risk assessment, recommending mechanical turning devices, stronger contractor oversight and verification of third-party operations.
- 20221 Nov
Failure to plan properly: electrician sustains serious burns (UK HSE)
An electrician suffered serious burns at a supermarket warehouse when his metal spanner contacted a live busbar, causing an electrical explosion. Generator connection work alongside high-voltage maintenance lacked adequate planning and contractor coordination. The flash highlights failures to stop the circuit supply and appoint a competent person to organise the work.
- 20221 Nov
Focus on third-party dropped objects
This safety flash reports increased dropped-object incidents at third-party premises, including high-potential near misses during lifting and pipe handling. Findings concern procedural controls, risk assessment, equipment suitability, competence, inspection and maintenance. Recommendations emphasise contractor assurance, clear accountabilities, verification of controls, fresh-eyes reviews and communicated stop-work expectations.
- 202224 Oct
Unsafe transportation and packing arrangements
Two near misses involving subcontracted packing and transportation exposed inadequate containment and support of project equipment. The flash identifies shortcomings in planning, packing instructions, vendor approval verification and stop-work implementation. Recommendations address the complete transport process, fit-for-purpose instructions, timely communication with subcontractors and consistent exercise of stop-work authority.
- 20227 Sep
Unsafe Chemical Use and Disposal
Three incidents illustrate hazards from mixing expired epoxy products, disposing of a rag likely containing flammable thinner, and combining drain cleaner with bleach. BSEE recommends operators consider chemical-specific procedures, suitable protective equipment, firefighting readiness, specialist disposal contracts and lifecycle inventory management to address unsafe chemical use and disposal.
- 202226 Jul
MSF: CO2 system left non-operational after servicing
A vessel’s fixed CO2 firefighting system remained inoperable because survey safety pins were not removed, discovered almost four weeks later. The flash reinforces owner-specific lessons on isolation records, considering permits to work, inspecting contractor reinstatement and circulating safety learning, while noting that incident-specific causes and corrective actions were not supplied.
- 202226 Jul
Third-party truck not in appropriate or safe condition
Joint inspections before pipe transport identified unsafe third-party trucks, including tyre defects, corroded trailer beds and worn bolster padding. Rejected vehicles were withdrawn pending rectification. The flash recommends defining supplier requirements and considering an inspection checklist, and separately describes a low-loader hydraulic hose failure that leaked approximately 10 litres.
- 202222 Jul
A focus on journey management
This safety flash examines two vehicle incidents: a car–forklift collision at a Dutch third-party site and a Brazilian transport incident following a driver’s medical issue. It discusses restricted visibility, uncommunicated hazards and gaps in driver assurance, recommending journey planning, intervention and clearer oversight of contracted transport.
- 202214 Jul
Man overboard from anchor handler tug
During a grapnel run on an anchor handling tug, a T-bar hook snagged a crew member’s life jacket while chain was being overboarded, leading to a fall into the water. The crew recovered him within three minutes. Lessons address rescue drills, subcontractor oversight, snag-point removal and safer overboarding methods.
- 20224 May
Near miss: Floor Plate fell from Main Mast during storm
A mast floor plate fell onto a vessel’s deck during storm conditions, without injury or property damage. Its four securing screws had sheared; replacements fitted by a subcontractor were too short and of poor quality. Actions included suitable fixings, checks of similar plates and feedback requiring improved contractor workmanship.
- 202228 Apr
Two catastrophic engine failures, one resulting in a fire, on board ro-ro passenger ferry Wight Sky
Investigation of Wight Sky’s August and December 2018 engine failures, extended to related fleet failures. It distinguishes lubrication loss from a factory bearing-cap assembly error and examines maintenance records, oil and coolant monitoring, contractor support, delayed declutching and missing engine protection. Effective crew response limited the consequences.
- 20212 Dec
Crew member stopped unsafe cargo operations
A Second Officer stopped third-party dock-to-vessel cargo lifting after observing an uncoloured wire set and a metal cargo box without valid certification marks. Requested assurance was not provided, so the cargo remained on the quay and was quarantined. The flash highlights stop-work authority, knowledge of colour coding and equipment checks before lifting.
- 202125 Nov
Use of damaged electrical equipment by dock workers
Third-party welders preparing anchor sea-fastening work aboard a vessel in port had damaged wiring connected without a plug. Vessel crew stopped the job, and the ETO repaired the wiring and fitted a suitable plug. The flash highlights omitted visual inspections and possible lessons for subcontractor oversight during busy port calls and mobilisations.
- 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.
- 202113 Jun
Report - Offshore helicopter operations - April 2010
Updates an earlier review of Australian offshore helicopter support through operator and petroleum-company questionnaires and regulatory analysis. It compares provision with 2006, examines proposed rotorcraft rules and personal locator beacon interference, and reports improvements in monitoring systems, medical evacuation availability, flight tracking and helideck support.
- 202127 Apr
Update to SF 08/21: Fatality – person crushed when secured material fell on him
Updated safety flash describing a fatal crushing during loose lifting gear inspection. Manipulation of a ratchet strap released vertically stored metal plates, trapping the inspection team leader against a drilling bail rack framework. Actions address changing task risks, sea-fastening security, safer storage, stop-work authority and contractor integration.
- 202116 Apr
BSEE: Crewman fell to his death through faulty grating
This safety flash summarises BSEE findings on a fatal platform fall in the Gulf of Mexico in 2019. A production operator fell through corroded grating into the sea. It highlights deficient walking surfaces, hazard communication and barricading, alongside failures in operator–contractor safety-management bridging arrangements.
- 20219 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert 416 - Investigation into Grating Failure Fatality Reveals Deficiencies
An operator disappeared during routine production-platform work and was never found. The investigation identified weak grating, delayed repair, inadequate barricading and failures to communicate known hazards. Recommendations address rigid barricades, distinct hazard communication, contractor bridging agreements and reviews of unsupported surfaces and modified work zones.
- 20214 Mar
Bypassing safety controls – violation of working at height requirements
This flash describes hull painting in dry dock using a shipyard crane and personnel basket without supplied safety harnesses or valid equipment test certificates. Work was stopped and certified equipment provided. Preliminary findings identify unclear oversight and failures to follow agreed requirements; actions address pre-docking checks and shipyard–contractor bridging agreements.
- 202119 Jan
Wells Personnel Competency Management System – Issue 6
An HSE inspection guide for assessing wells personnel competence management systems. It sets performance criteria and interview, record-sampling and scoring frameworks, covering individual and team assessment, contractor assurance, assessor training and external audit. Discussion includes non-technical skills, well-control drills and simulation-based training for challenging wells.
- 20205 Oct
Lifeboat Failures and Damage Occur During Maintenance
Two Gulf of Mexico lifeboat incidents during maintenance testing and inspection involved brake and winch failures, and platform contact damaging a gripe plate. Neither incident injured personnel. The alert recommends that operators consider maintenance assurance, contractor oversight, post-work verification, entry checks and maintenance pendants, alongside review of launching conditions and procedures.
- 202015 Sep
LTI: Leg Fractured While Loading Tubulars
A crewman fractured his leg when landed tubulars shifted after sling disconnection aboard a vessel in port. The flash identifies inadequate risk assessment and unchecked third-party bundling. It recommends agreed lift configurations, load inspection and supervision, and pins or chocks to prevent movement, while noting well-practised medical emergency procedures.
- 202015 Sep
Serious leg injury from falling winch sheave
A crew member suffered leg injuries when an umbilical winch sheave toppled during manual rolling across a vessel’s deck for refurbishment. The flash identifies shortcomings in planning, supervision, risk assessment and communication, and recommends stronger subcontractor coordination, permit checks and consideration of COVID-19 measures in work planning.
- 20204 Sep
Dropped Object from Derrick
Part of a seized guide sheave fell approximately 15 m onto a drilling vessel’s drill floor while drill pipe was being run. Nobody was injured. The flash identifies design, installation, inspection and retention shortcomings, and describes changes to preventative maintenance, contractor reporting and protected standing areas within revised red zones.
- 202014 Aug
Near miss: Incorrectly set lifeboat hook
A lifeboat drill exposed a misaligned forward release hook whose padlock indicator falsely showed closure. Recovery was paused and completed without incident after both hooks were confirmed secure. Findings identified incorrect assembly and a 35° release setting rather than the required 55°. Actions addressed hook checks, contractor qualifications and adherence to maintenance procedures.
- 202021 May
Competency assurance information paper
This information paper explains how organisations can define, develop, verify and maintain workforce competencies for hazardous-event prevention and mitigation. It discusses supplementary field learning, evidence-based assessment, contractor assurance and change-triggered reviews. A hypothetical lifting example illustrates implementation, while emphasising that competency assurance cannot replace organisational support or other safeguards.
- 202031 Mar
Agitator started moving during mud tank cleaning – leading to injury
A contractor cleaning a vessel’s mud tank was struck by an unexpectedly starting agitator, suffering bruising and a broken rib. The flash examines omitted isolation, inadequate risk-assessment review and unclear departmental and contractor responsibilities. Actions address physical verification, lockout and tagging, isolation certification and improved communication.
- 201922 Nov
High potential near miss: Guide cone funnel dropped
A guide cone funnel weighing approximately 500 kg fell more than 4 m towards moonpool doors during lifting of an umbilical termination head. The flash identifies unsuitable locking for vertical installation and gaps in design review and contractor coordination. Recommendations address secondary securing, revised instructions and participation in hazard reviews.
- 201928 Oct
Marine Operations
HSE guidance supports offshore inspectors in assessing dutyholders’ marine operations and assigning compliance ratings. It covers vessel assurance, collision prevention, cargo transfer, rig moves, walk-to-work gangways and multi-role rescue vessels. Inspection criteria examine operational limits, risk assessments, certification and whether additional vessel duties compromise response and rescue capability.
- 201928 Oct
Near Miss: Fire blanket caught fire during third-party hot work
A fire blanket ignited aboard a vessel in port after contractors paused sea-fastening work for lunch. A second mate extinguished the fire; no injuries occurred. Preliminary observations highlighted unrecognised ember hazards, inadequate fire-watch clearance and potentially poor blanket quality. Lessons address risk assessments, fire-watch responsibilities and contractor supervision.
- 201928 Oct
Ruptured acetylene hose: Fire
A subcontractor lighting an oxy-acetylene torch on a vessel experienced a small fire at a ruptured acetylene hose. The cause remained unestablished. The flash discusses flash-back prevention through equipment maintenance, arrestors, correct connections and separate hose purging, alongside contractor compliance and conditional emergency actions.
- 201923 Aug
LTI – Fall from height
A subcontracted service engineer returned to a vessel mast to retrieve tools without fall protection. During final radar testing, the rotating antenna struck him, causing a fall onto a lifeboat roof and multiple fractures. The flash highlights communication failures, subcontractor oversight, job preparation and safety culture.
- 201910 Jul
Safety Alert 359 - Unsafe Use of Pipe Wrenches Discovered during Inspection
An inspection found damaged pipe wrenches being torqued with come-alongs attached through shackles during decommissioning. The alert explains manufacturers’ overload and injury warnings, recommends hand-only use and removal of damaged wrenches, and advises operators to consider restrictions on misuse and checks of contractors’ tools before and during work.
- 201918 Jun
Three fatalities: Stored energy; Falling objects; Traffic management
This flash summarises three fatal workplace incidents involving a whipping concrete delivery hose, collapsing plastic bale stacks and reversing mobile plant. It reports failures in exclusion-zone enforcement, contractor oversight, secure storage, risk assessment and pedestrian–vehicle segregation, and points members towards related IMCA safety materials.
- 201927 Feb
LTI: Engineer injured following engine room slip/trip
An engineer suffered an abdominal laceration when an unsecured engine-room floor plate slid and flipped during dry docking. The flash examines incomplete maintenance handback, unaddressed hazards, inadequate protective clothing and contractor oversight. Actions included fitting plate stoppers, bolting loose plates and revising inspections and risk assessment.
- 201927 Feb
Subcontractor ROV control room damaged by fire
Fire badly damaged an unmanned ROV control container and suitcase ROV aboard an accommodation jack-up, without personnel injury. An electrical fault at an incorrectly adapted portable air-conditioning connection was identified as the most likely source. The flash highlights inadequate fire protection, unmanaged fire risks and absent evidence of mobilisation checklists.
- 2019Feb
Considerations for Walk to Work and Multi Operation Vessels – Regulatory Guidance
UK regulatory guidance for offshore oil and gas walk-to-work safety cases addresses vessel selection, installation collision resistance, station keeping and task-specific procedures. It examines gangway evacuation availability, contractor competence and combined rescue-vessel arrangements, requiring rescue and recovery capability to remain available throughout operations.
- 201821 Dec
Umbilical termination failure and loss of ROV
An ROV and its TMS fell to the seabed during recovery after an umbilical termination detached. Examination identified poor termination workmanship and defects, alongside inadequate subcontractor skill and quality verification. Revised procedures require photographic evidence of assembly steps, with quality surveillance recommended for subcontractors. No personnel were injured.
- 201829 Nov
Ground Disturbance Hazard Alert
This hazard alert addresses buried utility strikes during US onshore upstream oil and gas ground disturbance. It outlines responsibilities for operators, excavators and line locators, including 811 notification, crossing permits, contractor competence checks, locating techniques, excavation method selection and reporting suspected damage rather than concealing it.
- 201825 Sep
Fatal Traffic Accident on Board a Large Vessel
A duty officer was fatally struck by a reversing trailer during loading on a large Ro-Ro vessel. Findings identified absent reversing assistance, inadequate supervision and failure to follow cargo handling instructions. Lessons emphasise situational awareness, stronger high-visibility clothing requirements and compliance with safety helmet requirements.
- 201817 Sep
Life raft self-activates and falls to the quayside
A life raft self-inflated and fell 8 m from a vessel deck onto a barriered quayside area, without injury or property damage. Improper cylinder servicing was identified; potential diaphragm damage, overfilling and sustained extreme heat could have contributed to failure. Lessons emphasise manufacturer servicing requirements and third-party service assurance.
- 201810 Sep
Dropped pipe incidents with potentially fatal consequences
Three high-potential near misses during pipe load-out involved two dropped pipes and one contact with a ship’s hold bulkhead. The flash identifies missing work instructions, inadequate subcontractor competence assurance, unclear banksman–operator communication, inexperienced supervision and unsuitable crane selection. Lessons emphasise scrutiny of high-risk activities proposed for subcontracting.
- 201811 Jul
Preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding and other work platforms
HSE alert addressing public access to construction scaffolds, particularly by children, and associated falls from height. It sets out site assessment, perimeter and local fencing, bottom-lift ladder removal and ladder-guard requirements. It also addresses scaffold contracts, security reviews and maintaining designated fire escape routes from occupied buildings.
- 20189 Jul
Accidental activation of expired pyrotechnics (hand flare)
Yard personnel cleaning and chipping a vessel’s chain locker accidentally activated expired hand flares awaiting landing ashore during dry docking. Smoke emerged from the forepeak store. The flash highlights contractor oversight and failure to follow procedures, notes potential theft through mess-room access, and records return of the pyrotechnics to an approved vendor.
- 201814 Jun
Accidental drinking of thinners stored in mineral water bottle
A trainee ETO swallowed thinners from a mineral water bottle kept by contractors in an engine room workshop. The flash identifies inadequate contractor briefing and unsafe chemical storage, and records reminders to use properly marked containers and recommendations for crew to carry their own drinking bottles.
- 20184 Jun
Near miss: potential dropped objects on temporary buoy modules (TBMs)
Two near misses involved loose objects discovered on temporary buoyancy modules retrieved to deck during tension leg platform installation. One concerned unrecovered subsea lamps and missing subcontractor notification; the other involved an inadequately lashed retaining pin removed by an ROV. Actions addressed material recovery procedures and reinforced stop-work authority.
- 201820 Feb
High potential near miss: dropped object – spark arrestor
An 18 kg spark arrestor fell 16 metres onto a vessel’s FRC deck without injuring anyone. Exhaust pressure, vibration and inadequate securing contributed to its dislodgement. The flash identifies installation quality-control failures and missing change management, emphasising contractor oversight even without a direct contractual relationship.
- 201712 Dec
Self-employed diver sentenced for falsifying diving medical certificate
This safety flash reports the sentencing of a commercial diver who supplied falsified medical certification in 2016, including an altered expiry date. It outlines breaches of UK diving and workplace safety legislation and reminds contractors to verify divers’ medical certificates, particularly when the doctor and diver are unfamiliar.
- 201712 Dec
Worker suffers life changing injury after pressure test failure
During a boiler pressure test involving three companies, an overpressurised valve failed and a hose and metal fitting assembly struck a worker’s leg. Compound fractures led to amputation below the knee. The flash highlights absent pressure relief, an unsafe system of work and the importance of shared safety responsibilities.
- 201723 Aug
Dropped object near miss – hammer dropped from scaffolding
A scaffold erection near miss aboard a vessel involved a 1.1 kg hammer falling over 12 m, bouncing off a handrail and landing outside the barriers. Nobody was harmed. The flash examines incompatible tool retention, insufficient exclusion-zone width and contractor training, supervision and communication of procedures.
- 201713 Jul
Fall from height during yard visit
A yard worker fell 4 m while helping manually lower grating through a deck opening, fracturing his right ankle. His fall arrester was not anchored. The flash examines team organisation, language barriers, unused taglines and absent task-specific analysis, emphasising closer yard oversight and executive commitment to safety culture.
- 201722 May
High potential near-miss: Incorrectly secured overhead equipment
Loose shackle pins on two overhead fall arrest inertia reels presented a potentially fatal dropped-object risk. Incorrect securing clips had fallen out, while weather protection boxes hindered inspection. The flash highlights unshared previous findings and recommends appropriate pin retention, checks of overhead equipment, suitable inspection arrangements and assurance of third-party installation work.
- 201629 Nov
Near-miss: Dropped steel plate
A sea-fastening dog plate fell from a vessel’s crane boom rest during preparations to recover a seabed work basket, striking an access platform before falling a further 4.82 m to deck. The flash identifies inadequate inspection and scaffold-crew oversight, recommending accessible boom-rest inspections, planned maintenance instructions and contractor completion checks.
- 2016Oct
Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs in Construction Download
Construction guidance sets out an integrated safety and health programme built around management leadership, worker participation and proactive hazard assessment. It explains control selection, accessible training, incident investigation and performance monitoring, alongside coordination between contractors and staffing agencies. Programme review and worker feedback support continuing improvement as site conditions change.
- 2016Oct
Safety and Health Programs: Recommended Practices
Non-mandatory recommendations set out an integrated workplace safety and health programme centred on management leadership, worker participation and continuous improvement. They cover proactive hazard assessment, control selection, investigation, accessible training and performance evaluation, with specific arrangements for exchanging hazard information and coordinating contractors and staffing agencies.
- 201627 Jan
Fire: Spontaneous combustion of towels
Two incidents involved spontaneous combustion of oil-contaminated galley towels after tumble drying and folding. The flash explains oxidation and retained heat, describes extinguishing actions, and presents lessons on thorough washing, drying temperatures, cooling before storage, lint removal and staff briefings. One incident occurred aboard an offshore vessel.
- 201515 Dec
Confined space entry incidents – a reminder
This safety flash describes confined-space incidents during a vessel’s class renewal docking, involving subcontractors and a company-personnel near miss. Cases include obstructed access, absent attendants, untested gas detectors, missing harnesses and hot work without ventilation. Crew interventions prevented harm, with lessons stressing procedural compliance, contractor vigilance, training and safety leadership.
- 201510 Aug
Near-miss: Broken chain on sling of personnel lifting basket
An empty personnel basket’s chain sling failed during an onboard lifting inspection, without injury. The flash discusses trapped water and accelerated corrosion as a possible contributor, incomplete visual inspection beneath a plastic cover, overdue load testing and unsuitable inspection procedures. Actions addressed cover removal, storage configuration and contractor compliance with manufacturer recommendations.
- 201516 Jul
Control of sub-contractor personnel: Unplanned and uncertified lifting operations
A near miss aboard a vessel involved subcontractors using uncertified lifting equipment and slings over sharp frame edges. Visiting shore-based staff stopped the work. The flash examines absent planning, incomplete hazard assessment and failed permit checks, highlighting contractor oversight, equipment suitability and inspection before and after use.