Control
Lifting Plan
Planning load paths, rigging, capacities and roles for lifting.
Newest 100 Documents
All 139 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: A heavy sheave fell over causing an LTI
A bosun working alone aboard a vessel suffered multiple leg fractures when a half-ton sheave toppled during manual relocation for offloading. The flash identifies unauthorised stowage, absent lift planning and underestimated handling risks, and calls for help and a clearly communicated plan before moving such loads.
- 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.
- 202310 Mar
Overhaul Ball Crashes to Deck Resulting in High Potential Near-Miss Fatality
During decommissioning and well abandonment, a snagged wedge socket released a 700-pound crane headache ball, which fell 24 feet near a rigger. The alert examines misleading load indication and blind-lift communications. BSEE recommends considering snag-point assessment, secondary slack detection, verified load movement, toolbox discussions and safe-zone planning.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 71 (Summer 2023)
This maritime digest examines engine defects, misleading master–pilot exchanges, language barriers, a power shutdown, a yacht collision and repeated falls from a paint raft. Commentary addresses commercial pressure, communication and supervision. A separate article describes automated tank cleaning with high-pressure spinning nozzles and remote drone inspections to reduce enclosed-space entry.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2023
A multi-case marine safety digest draws lessons from navigation incidents, fires, falls, cargo lifting, mooring injuries and fishing casualties. Case analyses examine communication, electrical work, lifejacket use and recovery arrangements. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address fuel-hose modifications, liferaft servicing, carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal man-overboard incidents.
- 20222 Dec
Failure of a suspended buoy on workboat Annie E with 1 person injured
Investigation of a grid buoy failure that injured a deckhand aboard Annie E at a Scottish fish farm. It examines worn components, a missing washer, unsuitable lifting arrangements, inspection omissions and exposure beneath a suspended load. Manufacturer instructions, work procedures, induction and fall prevention are assessed; subsequent actions prompted no recommendations.
- 20224 Jul
Damage to bulwarks during overboarding of mattresses
A mattress stack struck a vessel’s port bulwarks during overboarding when swell induced a pendulum motion. Nobody was injured, and planning, tag lines and safe personnel positioning were in place. The flash describes crew discussions and review of lift planning to consider crane limitations and load routes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20211 Oct
MAIB: Crush fatality during lifting operations
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal crushing aboard Cimbris during hatch cover lifting. It highlights restricted operator visibility, the absence of a lookout, inadequate planning and supervision, and poor communication. Company actions included mandatory safety sentries, reviewed procedures and an instruction card defining lookout duties.
- 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.
- 202122 Sep
Crush incident on general cargo vessel Cimbris with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a stevedore’s fatal crushing during hatch-cover movement aboard Cimbris at Antwerp Bulk Terminal. The report examines restricted crane-operator visibility, the absence of a banksman, lifting arrangements and ship–shore coordination. It identifies weak safety cultures and records procedural changes and recommendations for the vessel manager and port labour federation.
- 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.
- 202119 Aug
NOPSEMA: Person injured in chain hoist incident
An offshore lifting incident injured one worker when a monorail hoist dropped a 500 kg piping spool, including ancillaries. NOPSEMA’s preliminary findings identified unsuitable end stops and trolley width, modification outside change management, and failure to follow the lift plan. Recommendations address competent inspection, equipment selection and restrictions on non-vertical lifting.
- 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.
- 202110 Aug
Miscommunication of Load Weight Leads to a Lifting High Potential Lifting Near Miss
A cargo lift exceeded the crane’s rated capacity after intercom miscommunication led to an incorrect manifest weight; the basket tag also showed its empty weight. Wire rope damage was subsequently found. BSEE recommends considering improved shipment coordination, load marking, weight verification, pre-lift rigging checks and inspection and testing of overloaded cranes.
- 202116 Jun
Dropped object during lifting operations
During tensioner-pad replacement on a vessel’s tiltable lay system, a lifted basket struck the crane boom and an 8.5 kg pad fell approximately 15–18 metres to deck. Nobody was in the exclusion zone. The flash examines unsecured loads, inadequate task-specific risk assessment and lift planning, recommending basket covers, secure doors and sea-state-aware routing.
- 2021Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2021
A marine accident digest presenting separate lessons for merchant shipping, fishing vessels and recreational craft. Cases examine unsafe access, lifting gear, engine fires, navigation, capsize and flooding. Discussions address risk assessment, supervision, casualty recovery, mooring checks and navigation aids. Appendix coverage dates refer specifically to investigations started, rather than incident dates.
- 202117 Mar
Crane wire parted during offshore operations
A vessel crane wire failed while overboarding a concrete mattress for a pipeline crossing, dropping the load before it entered the water. The flash examines unresolved magnetic rope testing results, misunderstood operational limits and absent change management, and calls for better shore–vessel communication and lift routing away from existing pipelines.
- 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.
- 202028 Sep
Unsafe lifting operations
Two vessel lifting interventions concern a winch frame beneath scaffolding being dismantled and a metal structure offered for loading without available lifting certificates. The flash discusses conflicting activities, an unsafe partial-lifting and rolling method, weather-related haste, lift planning, equipment colour coding and checks before and after work.
- 202017 Sep
Safety Alert 391 - Improper Use of Equipment Results in Shock Loaded Crane and Damaged Tension Packer
During plug and abandonment work, four attempts to set a tension packer using a platform crane ended in shear-ring failure and crane shock loading. The alert identifies repeated loading, unknown equipment tolerances, inadequate hazard analysis and a restrained load, and recommends considering manufacturer specifications, dynamic load charts and job-specific work controls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 201929 Jul
Safety Alert 362 - Poor Tag Line Awareness Leads to Multiple Incidents
This alert describes three Gulf of Mexico lifting incidents in which riggers became caught in tag lines and were lifted off decks; one fell and injured an ankle. Recommendations address line positioning and length, readiness signals, alternative all-stop communications, vessel motion and pre-job risk assessment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20183 Dec
High potential dropped object during lifting operations
A shaped steel plate detached from a lifting magnet and fell approximately 14 metres into an ROV hangar, striking a welder’s legs after bouncing off the deck. The flash identifies reduced magnetic connection area and departure from planned lifting instructions, emphasising adherence to plans that account for differing load properties.
- 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.
- 201824 Apr
BSEE: potentially catastrophic crane and lifting incidents
This flash summarises four BSEE lifting incidents involving a dislodged slick joint, a parted crane line, a falling boom and tubing escaping a bundle. One incident released diesel. Recommendations address lift planning, safe zones, training, crane inspection and maintenance, cable and sheave compatibility, and balanced, secured loads.
- 201824 Apr
Dropped object – intermediate bulk container (IBC)
A vessel crane dropped an IBC containing monoethylene glycol approximately 3.5 metres onto the deck after liquid movement shifted its centre of gravity and the rigging could not support it. The flash discusses unsuitable rigging selection, inadequate risk assessment, load movement in lift planning and replacement of pallet-type arrangements with certified lifting frames.
- 201824 Apr
Worker hit by steel plate falling from crane
A worker suffered severe back injuries when a steel sheet detached from a crane-mounted magnet during staircase construction. The HSE investigation identified inadequate lifting equipment strength and stability, a need to de-rate the magnet for the sheet’s dimensions, and failures in competent lift planning and supervision.
- 20182 Mar
Worker lost his leg when he was hit by a forklift truck during lifting operations
A banksman suffered a left-leg amputation at the knee after a forklift struck his heel during pipe-spool loading onto a flatbed truck. The HSE found inadequate planning and organisation of the lift. Its inspector identified tag lines or push sticks as the safest method for controlling this load rather than using hands.
- 201820 Feb
Near miss: potential dropped object left on top of cargo
A near miss involved unsecured timber dunnage lifted with a mud cooler module from a vessel to an offshore platform. Crew declined to enter beneath the suspended load but missed the remaining dropped-object hazard. The flash describes revised risk assessments and permit checks, and a possible hands-off pre-lift method.
- 201820 Feb
Safety Alert 329 - Potentially Catastrophic Crane and Lifting Incidents
This alert describes four crane and lifting incidents involving a dropped riser joint, a parted crane line, a falling crane boom and tubing escaping a bundle. One incident released diesel into the Gulf of Mexico. BSEE recommends operators consider lift planning, crane inspection and maintenance, participant training and verification of load security.
- 201721 Dec
Load exceeding safe working load (SWL) leads to overstressed and damaged rigging
During pipeline decommissioning, a crane-suspended shear tool pulled downwards as its jaws closed, overloading and deforming the rigging. A nearby diver could have been harmed. The flash identifies planning and communication shortcomings and highlights tool placement, available slack, communicating rigging capacity and reviewing rigging drawings.
- 201723 Aug
Bunkering hose dropped to deck – Incorrect lifting procedure
During preparation for vessel bunkering, one end of a hose fell to deck when approximately 11 m up. The sling had been choked around a non-load-bearing urethane guide rather than the saddle and hose. Nobody was harmed. Lessons address crew positioning, supervision, pre-use inspection, lift plans and stopping unfamiliar work.
- 201715 Jun
Collared eyebolts as lifting equipment
This flash summarises NOPSEMA’s account of a collared eyebolt failure during lifting. Equipment weighing 21.7 tonnes fell 1.2–1.8 m without injuries. Angular loading reduced the eyebolt’s working load limit, while incomplete collar seating imposed shear on its shaft. Ineffective lift planning was identified as a root cause.
- 20176 Apr
Collared eyebolts as lifting equipment
A collared eyebolt sheared while a MODU crew lifted a diverter for rotation, allowing it to fall into its cradle without injury. The alert identifies angular loading, incomplete collar seating and ineffective lift planning, and outlines recommendations for eyebolt alignment, working load limits, thread compatibility and pre-use inspection.
- 201712 Jan
Accident during cargo operations on general cargo vessel Johanna C with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall during repositioning of a steel crankshaft web aboard Johanna C at Songkhla, Thailand. The chief officer stood on the load as it was lifted; sudden movement possibly involved slipping slings. Analysis examines rigging, unrecognised risks, procedural deviations and medical response, recording subsequent company and regulatory action without recommendations.
- 201618 Oct
Line of fire LTI: Finger injury during lifting operations
A flagman sustained a crush injury to his left ring finger while stabilising a swinging H-link during crane landing onto a sled. The flash examines pinch-point design, unclear roles, inadequate risk assessment and an unmanaged change of crane. Actions included reviewing the lifting method, marking pinch points and evaluating glove provision.
- 201613 Sep
Dropped pallet during loading of stores
A pallet struck a deck hatch during stores loading from quayside to vessel, releasing most of its contents onto the deck below. The flash examines omitted securing chains, unclear lifting responsibilities and reluctance to challenge a supervisor. Actions address toolbox talks, lift planning, load securement and staged lowering through blind openings.
- 201613 Apr
Near-miss: Dropped torque tool
A 55 kg torque tool fell back into the sea during recovery after diver use; attached hydraulic hoses prevented freefall. The flash examines unsuitable lifting points, incorrect subsea re-rigging, missing lift planning and communication failures, and recommends suitable lifting arrangements and information for everyone involved.
- 201512 Jun
Safety Alert 317 - Catastrophic Incident Avoided
A mezzanine deck shifted during installation on a floating offshore facility, damaging pressurised gas piping and a valve. The crew subsequently cut a brace without a change request or work permits before the installation manager stopped work. The alert examines shortcomings in lift planning, hazard communication and supervision, and recommends reinforcing effective stop-work arrangements.
- 201425 Nov
Master link failure during testing of overboarding chute
A master link failed during crane-assisted articulation of a deck-secured overboarding chute on a project vessel, causing uncontrolled movement and equipment damage without injury. The investigation identified deficient work planning, unrecognised over-pull risk and possible link defects. Actions included quarantining specified master links and improving procedures, lift plans and risk assessments.
- 20143 Oct
Dropped object incident
During removal of a 55t tensioner aboard a vessel in port, crane rigging displaced a guide bar from a horizontal lay system. The 100kg bar fell 2m onto scaffolding without injury. The flash describes end stops and revised lift planning to remove or secure guide bars.
- 20147 Aug
Lifting and rigging plans
This flash relays NOPSEMA findings from dangerous occurrences involving non-routine lifting and rigging, with dropped objects and rigging equipment failures. Investigations identified absent or partially completed, ineffective plans. Members are encouraged to reinforce lifting planning with personnel, with further guidance signposted in IMCA LR006.
- 201416 Jul
Lifting and rigging plans
This alert examines four lifting and rigging cases involving missing or incomplete plans, inadequate load determination and under-rated equipment. It recommends considering plans proportionate to operational complexity and frequency, prepared and reviewed by competent personnel, with supervisory approval. Planning on floating facilities should account for dynamic loading effects.
- 2014
Safe use of lifting equipment
Approved Code of Practice and guidance explaining LOLER duties for work equipment. It addresses equipment selection, strength, stability, personnel lifting, positioning and safe working load markings. Lift planning, supervision and competence are covered alongside thorough examination, inspection, defect reporting and retention of examination records.
- 201320 Dec
Fatality during lifting operations
A senior rigger suffered fatal crushing injuries when a suspended Dyneema sling and ROV reverse hook assembly slid towards him on an offshore vessel’s spar deck. The flash describes crane positioning constraints, possible contributors identified by an early investigation, unsuccessful resuscitation, and lessons on lift planning and personnel positioning.
- 201325 Jun
High potential near-miss – Lifting equipment failure
A lifting sling failed during preparations to raise a trenching ROV for maintenance. A sharp edge cut through padding and the sling at approximately 18T of tension; the trencher remained on the ground. The flash highlights missing strops, inadequate lift planning and failures to apply stop-work and management-of-change processes.
- 201318 Jun
Failure of lifting equipment: Dropped ROV
An offshore lifting incident involved a fibre sling failing and an ROV/TMS assembly dropping from 30 cm onto a vessel’s deck, damaging the ROV without injuries. Findings included unsuitable rigging, an unprotected sharp edge, absent supervision and no lift plan. Preventative actions address planning, supervision, certified equipment and sling protection.
- 20131 Feb
Safety Alert 304 - Boom Hoist Wire Rope Failure Results in Fatality
A crane boom collapsed during generator loading after its boom-hoist wire rope failed through advanced corrosion. A displaced bridle fatally struck a rigger. The alert discusses inspection and lubrication deficiencies, constrained lifting space and omitted emergency positioning considerations, recommending comprehensive rope examinations, proper lubrication and review of equipment and rigger positions.
- 201214 Nov
Near-miss: Dropped object
A pipe wrench weighing 1.2 kg fell 15 m to the deck during tool hoisting, without injury. Snagging beneath the working platform tore its tether stitching. The flash highlights tether suitability, inspection cycles, DROPS training and identification of entanglement points along lifting routes.
- 201211 Oct
Diver injured during subsea lifting operations
A diver was injured by a two-tonne dead man anchor lowered during bell-mouth installation at an offshore wind turbine base pile. The flash identifies rapid lowering, absent mid-water stops and communication failures, and recommends competent lift planning, agreed deployment speeds, load-depth monitoring and confirmed safe locations for divers.
- 2012Sep
Getting to grips with hoisting people
Guidance for organisations hoisting people explains fall risks from unsuitable slings, incompatible attachments, instability and equipment condition. It covers individual handling plans, staff competence, inspection and maintenance, with two fatal case examples. Checklists address mobile, overhead, standing and bath hoists, sling selection and checks before use.
- 20128 Jun
Snagging damage during lifting operations
This safety flash describes damage to a platform supply vessel during the lifting of equipment onto an offshore installation. The load caught on a walkway. The source attributes the incident to a lift plan and risk assessment that did not identify all relevant hazards.
- 2012Jun
Crush incident between vent and buoy on mooring vessel Cameron during maintenance operation with 1 person injured
This investigation examines serious pelvic injuries sustained by Cameron’s chief officer when a crane moved a 6 tonne navigation buoy against an air vent during deck repositioning in Liverpool. It identifies unclear crew roles, ineffective supervision and communication, and unassessed hazards, recommending improved planning, briefing and oversight of deck operations.
- 201123 Dec
Failure of pallet lifters
Two pallet-lifter incidents involved a corroded wire rope parting after drums were landed aboard a vessel, and a fork twisting as steel plates shifted and overloaded it. The flash examines inadequate inspection, absent maintenance and unknown load weights, recommending pre-use checks, planned maintenance and contained lifting of plate.
- 20111 Nov
Near-miss: Crane winch wire damaged crane cab during heavy seas
A crane wire struck an occupied cab during recovery of spool lift rigging as a vessel pitched and rolled heavily. The operator was unharmed despite broken glass. Restricted deck space left the block at cab height. Recommendations address designated landing areas, conditional risk assessment and lift planning through rigging recovery.
- 20111 Nov
Near-miss: Diver working under suspended load
A subsea work basket landed close to a diver on a manifold during crane deployment. The flash examines reliance on a line out meter, omitted ROV spotting and absent agreed procedures, risk assessment and basket lift planning. Actions address vessel-specific procedures, subsea lift plans and equipment competency training.
- 20119 Feb
Jacking of flat bottomed storage tanks
Following a storage tank slipping sideways on its jacks without injury, this alert examines planning and contractor assurance for tank jacking. It addresses ground stability, wind loading, structural stiffness, floor-weld stresses and additional support, with particular scrutiny of work beneath raised floors and consideration of finite element analysis.
- 20109 Feb
Diver fouled on descending load
An air diver disconnecting an FPSO riser was dragged down to -70fsw after a lateral pull caused the riser to drop and part its webbing slings. His umbilical fouled on the crane wire. The flash addresses umbilical slack management, underwater sling selection, load calculations and separation of divers from planned load movements.
- 200910 Nov
Near-miss: Loss of a small crane (‘cherry picker’) wire
A crane deploying a tool basket to a subsea manifold lost its entire winch wire and load near working divers, who were uninjured. The flash identifies lift-planning and change-management errors, ambiguous rope marks and defective depth indication. Subsequent measures address diver separation and independent depth references.
- 200910 Nov
Near-miss: Unexpected lowering of a suspended load
A shore crane unexpectedly lowered a yoke during ROV winch maintenance while a worker was fitting a turnbuckle; no injuries occurred. The flash identifies communication failures, unclear authority and an absent lift plan, and recommends lifting procedures, inclusive toolbox talks, lift planning and advance briefing of third-party contractors.
- 20083 Dec
Failure of webbing strop during lifting operations
A vessel lifting incident involved a degraded, inadequately rated webbing sling failing while repositioning a mattress lifting frame. Nobody was injured. The flash identifies missing pre-use inspection and inadequate lift planning, and recommends suitable plans, identifiable rigging, regular inspections and familiarity with lifting procedures.
- 200830 Oct
Pallet lifter failure
A pallet lifter failed during quayside cargo transfer to a vessel, dropping a crane motor without injury. Corrosion had weakened the frame despite previous inspection. The flash examines conflicting load-weight information, missed deterioration and delayed reporting, recommending thorough equipment checks, accurate weight verification and immediate reporting of lifting-equipment failures.
- 200823 Jun
Incorrect lifting equipment used
A plastic drum slipped from a strop intended for metal drums, falling approximately 6 m onto a vessel’s deck and spilling fluid. Contributory factors included unsuitable lifting gear and a changed lift plan without hazard reassessment. The flash recommends ensuring personnel can identify and use the correct drum lifting equipment.
- 200810 Jan
Safety Alert 257 - Three Crane Accidents Caused by Improper Rigging
This alert examines three separate offshore crane incidents involving sliding flat iron, a swinging drive pipe hammer and a nylon sling melted by turbine exhaust. It identifies rigging, supervision and personnel-positioning deficiencies, and recommends pre-lift planning, suitable slings, balanced loads, trained personnel and communication between crane operators and riggers.
- 2007
Technical guidance on the safe use of lifting equipment offshore
HSE technical guidance addresses lifting equipment on fixed and mobile offshore installations under LOLER and PUWER. It covers crane selection, sea-state derating, lift planning, examination and maintenance, wire ropes, personnel carriers and drilling hoists. Recommendations also address competence, protective systems, load retention and emergency controlled lowering.
- 200530 Dec
Lifting fatality
A fatal generator replacement lift alongside in port involved a mobile crane operating beyond its safe working load. Boom extension and excessive load caused the outriggers to lift and the load to strike a worker. Recommendations address lifting procedures, supplier assurance and supervisory responsibilities.
- 200531 Oct
Near-miss during heavy lift operations
A near miss during a dual-crane stinger lift from a barge exposed an incorrect weight estimate and inappropriate crane counterweights. The flash discusses deficient procedural review, supervision and the absence of a required critical lift meeting. The lift was completed after repositioning the load to maintain suitable boom angles.
- 20051 Mar
Uncontrolled ascent of lay-down head
A saturation diver working in 120 m of water was struck by an ascending pipeline lay-down head during lift-bag preparations. The flash identifies inaccurate weight data use, inadequate communication, disconnected safety arrangements and insufficient change assessment. Recommendations address measured load weights, lift planning, diving procedures and escalation of safety-device changes.
- 20031 Apr
Fatality and serious injuries during heavy lift operation
A hydraulic lifting system collapsed near completion of a 300 tonne alternator lift, killing one man and injuring nine others. The cause was unknown. This follow-up flash examines possible transverse instability and recommends competent stability review, calculated alignment tolerances, communication through method statements and monitoring of cylinder alignment.
- 20031 Feb
Fatality and serious injuries during heavy lift operation
Early details describe a construction-site incident in which equipment collapsed near completion of a lift involving a 300 tonne alternator, hydraulic jacks and beams. One man died and nine others were injured. The cause remained unknown; the company initiated specialist engineering checks of plans and designs for similar lifts.
- 20031 Feb
Incident during lift bag operations
An oversized underwater lift bag carrying a blind flange ascended uncontrollably after an apparent snag released. No harm or damage occurred. The flash examines over-inflation, visibility limitations and incorrect inverter-line rigging, and records revised company requirements for bag sizing, restraint-line design and clearance along the lifting route.
- 20022 Dec
Fatality during lifting operations
A hookman was fatally crushed while unstacking chemical pods on an offshore platform. A crane pendant snagged the pod frame, lifting one end and allowing the tank to slide and topple. The flash examines stacking design, sling length, planning and communication, and records recommendations on stacking restrictions and lifting procedures.
- 20021 Dec
Fatality during lifting operations
A hookman was fatally crushed during a blind lift to unstack chemical pods on an offshore platform. A crane pendant snagged the pod frame, causing the tank to slide and topple. The flash examines stacking design, sling length, planning and communication, and reports recommendations on stacking restrictions, lift assessment and deck-level hooking.