Control
Permit to Work
Authorisation and conditions for controlled hazardous work.
Newest 100 Documents
All 277 in search- 202612 Aug
Control Portable Electronic Device Use to Prevent Ignition Hazards Offshore
This alert describes inspection findings involving unauthorised cellphone use during offshore wireline operations and unrated electronic devices in a hazardous area without a hot work permit. It recommends that operators and contractors consider intrinsic-safety certification, conditional permit requirements, policy reviews and reinforcement of device restrictions during orientations.
- 202628 Jul
Man overboard from the bulk carrier World Prize with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a bosun’s fatal fall into the sea during combination-ladder rigging on World Prize. It analyses normalised unsafe practices, ineffective supervision, permit compliance, incompatible flotation and harness equipment, and radio shortages. Pilot-boat recovery capability and training gaps are examined alongside subsequent corrective actions; no recommendations were made.
- 202627 Apr
Prevent Fires by Inspecting Cords, Plugs and Welding Leads Before Use
This alert reviews three incidents involving melting welding leads, flames at a cord connection and a tubing bender plug with a loose prong. It warns against applying water to potentially energised conductors and recommends that operators and contractors consider pre-use inspections, suitable electrical protection, hazard assessment and safety briefings.
- 202631 Mar
Offshore Inspection Guide Electrical Power Systems
An inspection guide for assessing electrical power systems and duty holder compliance. It addresses generation, distribution, protection, portable equipment and safe electrical work, with condition-monitoring methods including partial-discharge analysis, thermography and insulating-oil assessment. Performance scoring supports regulatory intervention planning; ATEX equipment is excluded.
- 202631 Mar
Safety case content and level of detail guidance note
Guidance for preparing and assessing offshore petroleum facility safety cases explains appropriate content and proportionate detail. It covers facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, safety-critical controls, performance standards and integrated safety management systems. Emphasis falls on standalone evidence, workforce participation, assessment uncertainty and substantiated ALARP arguments rather than reproducing supporting documents.
- 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.
- 202617 Mar
Working in a confined space without a Permit to Work
A safety walk-round identified crew removing pipes inside a sewage tank without a confined-space entry permit. Work was stopped and treated as a near miss. The flash examines assumptions arising from the tank’s clean appearance, missing entry safeguards and inadequate hazard identification, and stresses following procedures and confirming confined-space work with supervisors.
- 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.
- 2026Feb
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 11 (February 2026)
Six superyacht reports examine an unpermitted hull repair, a close-quarters encounter, grounding on uncharted coral, fuel-handling failure, hazardous acetone use in a bilge sump and premature anchor release. Commentary addresses reporting culture, collision avoidance, passage planning, fuel purification, respiratory protection limitations and confined-space precautions, emphasising communication and challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 2026Feb
Well Workover
This regulatory inspection guide presents compliance questions for oil and gas well-workover operations. It covers prior approval, well-control fluid replenishment and measurement, crown-block safety checks, mud-pit level warnings, tubing and wellhead requirements, wireline leakage prevention, and pressure testing of newly installed lubricators against expected shut-in surface pressure.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 2026
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 82 (Spring 2026)
Maritime reports examine solvent use in bilges, navigation audit findings, refused fuel-tank entry, twin-lanyard misuse and obstructed pilot access. Further cases address partial power loss linked to an unannounced software update and pressure over navigation decisions. Commentary emphasises equipment limitations, safe attachment, supplier communication and supportive bridge leadership.
- 202525 Nov
Safety management system guidance note
Guidance on integrating safety management systems with the offshore petroleum safety-case regime. It addresses control effectiveness, workforce competence, work authorisation, change management and continual improvement. Performance standards, monitoring and review underpin assurance, alongside organisational commitment and management of both major accident and occupational risks, including psychosocial hazards.
- 202520 Mar
Fatal accident on board bulk carrier Berge Mawson with loss of 3 lives
MAIB investigates three stevedore deaths in Berge Mawson’s coal cargo hold access space. The report considers a fatal atmospheric mechanism highly likely, while noting that medical causes were unconfirmed. It examines pre-entry gas testing, permits, access security, warning comprehension, training and rescue arrangements during cargo operations.
- 202519 Mar
Acetylene gas explosion
Two engineers setting up oxygen and acetylene cylinders experienced a small explosion and hose fire, leaving one with first-degree burns. The flash identifies inadequate flashback protection, bent hoses, faulty crimps, absent hot-work authorisation and unsuitable protective equipment. Lessons address arrestor placement and checking components after a flashback.
- 20256 Mar
MAIB: Very serious leg injury during crane operations
An IMCA flash summarises a MAIB investigation into a second officer’s leg injury aboard Kommandor Orca. His leg was trapped in a deck crane’s rack-and-pinion traversing mechanism, requiring below-knee amputation. Findings highlight unsafe local operation, omitted permit hazards, absent onboard operating procedures and flawed training.
- 20256 Feb
Confined space entry hot work fatality
A welder died after entering a pipe to check welding in a shipyard. The flash identifies shortcomings in entry restrictions, supervision, communication, procedures and assessment of argon-related risks. Actions included barriers and signage at specified pipe openings, revised restricted-space procedures, and additional inert-gas input to risk assessments and work permits.
- 2025Feb
Communication is the key to safer operations — Process Safety Beacon, February 2025
A bulletin examines unclear torque instructions during pipefitting work that led to a hydrogen chloride release and workers falling while escaping. It contrasts equipment manuals with design drawings and promotes clear written instructions, field demonstrations of critical tasks, worksite permit reviews and radio message repeat-back.
- 202523 Jan
Accident to chief engineer on board motor yacht Baton Rouge with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a chief engineer’s fatal electrocution during ventilation damper actuator replacement aboard Baton Rouge in Antigua. It examines work on a live circuit, unused permit arrangements, heat, inadequate monitoring and rescue planning, and conflicting enclosed-space definitions. Management revised its procedures; the report makes no recommendations.
- 202427 Nov
Hot work performed outside of Permit to Work (PTW) boundary limit
A contractor used a cutting torch and grinding disc to remove a metal trip hazard from a vessel deck outside the permitted work area. Sparks and slag fell onto scaffolding boards and an electrical cable below. The flash highlights failures in assessment, communication and supervision, recommending improved permit training and job preparation.
- 202414 Oct
MSF: Safety pins left in fire suppression system – high potential near miss
A vessel inspection after dry docking found safety pins still fitted to all engine-room CO2 suppression bottles, preventing remote activation in a potential fire. Third-party testing and subsequent checks had missed their removal. The flash recommends permit-to-work coverage, deck-officer verification, procedural familiarity and checks for immediate equipment readiness.
- 2024Oct
Some short-cuts may cut lives short — Process Safety Beacon, October 2024
This bulletin examines procedural shortcuts through a fatal polyethylene reactor incident in Pasadena, Texas. It describes inadequate isolation, unenforced permits and cross-connected valve air hoses. Guidance stresses operational discipline, functioning safeguards and authorised assessment of changes, warning against treating temporary safeguard bypasses as routine practice.
- 202427 Sep
Fall from height on bulk carrier Equinox Seas with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fitter’s fatal fall of approximately 10 m through an engine room ventilation trunk aboard Equinox Seas during shipyard maintenance. It identifies inadequate barriers, unassessed fan-removal risks and poor safety coordination, and discusses permit systems, hazard communication and improvements to ship repair safety management.
- 202425 Sep
Injury to little finger – LTI
A painter broke a little finger when an auxiliary winch drum rotated back during cleaning and trapped it against an improvised wooden securing beam. The flash examines lone execution of a two-person task and inadequate task-specific assessment, recommending suitable securing methods, appropriate permits and stopping unsafe work.
- 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.
- 202429 Aug
Non-fatal man overboard: worker fell from height into the sea
During installation of a new jacket, a worker fell into the sea from almost 3 m and was recovered unharmed. Required temporary platform and handrails were absent, but work continued. The flash describes a safety stand down, a request to install the protection, and updates to task documentation.
- 202414 Aug
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
A worker fractured their left little finger between a table and wrench while changing an angle grinder’s wire wheel. The flash identifies an incorrect method, absent formal training, missing impact-resistant gloves and failures in permits, risk assessment and supervision. Actions included revised assessment, formal training and review of supervisors’ responsibilities.
- 2024Aug
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 7 (August 2024)
Six superyacht reports examine tender lifting-point failure, fouled anchors near a lee shore, an open shell door, a fall during window cleaning and unsafe diving arrangements. Commentary emphasises thorough risk assessment, properly completed work permits, reliable equipment, crew communication and isolation during underwater maintenance.
- 202427 Mar
Loss of heading control on an FPU during diving operations
A floating production unit lost heading control during diving operations when a steering pump failed to start automatically during greasing. Only one thruster was available. Divers were recovered safely. The flash examines maintenance coordination, work permits, risk assessment and communication, and calls for changes to the company SIMOPS matrix.
- 202419 Feb
Hot work whilst working at height in a confined space – job was stopped
A contractor’s welder was observed flame-cutting inside a vessel’s ballast tank on a wooden platform over 1.80 m high, without fall protection. Work was stopped and a harness, inertia reel and tripod arrangement introduced temporarily. The flash identifies missing permits, an unreviewed risk assessment and inadequate supervision.
- 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.
- 202419 Feb
US BSEE: Confined space entry – tank cleaning
This safety flash summarises two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR, including unplanned entry while wearing an outside-use respirator. It reports rushing and non-compliance in the first case and a possible cardiac contribution in the second. BSEE recommends considering entry authorisation, task analysis, ventilation, communication, training and rescue arrangements where appropriate.
- 2024
CHIRP Annual Digest 2024
This annual compilation brings together anonymised maritime incident reports and commentary on crew welfare, vessel design, engineering, deck work and navigation. Cases examine enclosed-space entry, mooring injuries, pilot ladders, machinery hazards and groundings. Discussion emphasises leadership, communication, work permits, training and lessons for conventional and autonomous vessel operations.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 74 (Spring 2024)
This maritime digest examines tug and barge safety, dry-ice asphyxiation, leaking bunker connections, sulphur-emission non-compliance, a fall during mast work, lift-maintenance hazards and open cargo hatches at sea. Commentary addresses leadership, familiarisation, ventilation, permits to work and verified isolation, alongside design shortcomings and protection for confidential reporters.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 76 (Autumn 2024)
This maritime digest examines unauthorised enclosed-space entry, tug propulsion failure during LNG berthing, suspected officer fatigue, rotating-shaft hazards, inadequate provisions, deficient dynamic-positioning capability and departure in strong winds. Case commentary contrasts effective teamwork and stop-work intervention with commercial pressure and weak safety culture, highlighting entry permits, towing configuration and position-reference requirements.
- 202318 Dec
Failure of personal isolation procedures: Crane became damaged when it was used inappropriately
A crane aboard a vessel in dry dock was damaged when crew attempted to operate it during hydraulic repairs. Personal isolation had been used across several days by multiple people and removed for testing. The flash highlights inadequate risk assessment, the missing permit to work and restrictions on personal isolation.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Electrician injured in explosion
An electrician suffered serious burns aboard a ship after a spanner bridged live switchboard conductors, causing a short-circuit and arc flash. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with the circuit-breaker assembly, disregarded instructions, unplanned work without a permit or lockout/tagout, and unsuitable tools and protective equipment.
- 202316 Oct
Unprotected openings in floor grating – work stopped
Grating removal on a horizontal lay system exposed an opening through which someone could have fallen. Work was stopped without injury or dropped objects. The flash identifies underestimated height risks, absent work authorisation and unclear instructions, and describes supervision improvements and assessment of accessible lifting points to avoid removing grating.
- 202312 Sep
Fatality due to fire incident and fall from height
A rope access technician undertaking pipelay tower maintenance suffered a fatal fall from approximately 8.5 m after welding particles ignited solvent and fire melted the body harness. The flash examines independently authorised, conflicting work and highlights coordinated permits, shared planning, whole-operation supervision and effective stop-work authority.
- 202329 Aug
BSEE: Improper use and application of high-pressure hoses
An offshore inspection identified a hydraulic hose unsuitable for nitrogen during pressure safety valve testing. Injection of nitrogen at 2500 psi caused blistering and leakage. The flash summarises BSEE recommendations for operators and contractors to consider hose selection, fluid compatibility, inspection and replacement intervals, damaged-hose disposal, work permits and hazard communication.
- 202329 Aug
Getting fall arrest equipment right
A crew member replacing mast lamp bulbs around 4 m above a vessel’s deck wore fall arrest equipment under a permit to work. The assessment overlooked equipment length and the lanyard’s minimum 6 m clearance marking. No fall or injury occurred; the flash stresses correct fall arrest calculations.
- 202315 Aug
Caught between: Unplanned movement of equipment leads to severe injuries
A mechanic suffered severe injuries when moving hydraulic hoses tipped a three-tonne hose saddle towards a container door, trapping him. The flash examines instability, absent securing and shortcomings in change management and work coordination during maintenance. Actions address equipment stability, sea-fastening, work authorisation and toolbox participation.
- 202329 Jun
Improper Use High Pressure Hoses Leads to Injuries
An offshore inspection identified a hydraulic hose unsuitable for nitrogen service that blistered and leaked when pressurised to 2500 psi. The alert recommends considering hose selection, fluid compatibility, temperature, inspection and replacement intervals, alongside work permits, job safety analyses and communication of pressurised-hose hazards.
- 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.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Person crushed in watertight door
An electrician suffered severe crushing injuries when a vessel’s watertight door opened during proximity-sensor adjustment. A damaged selector switch enabled the opening command, while a leaking ball valve failed to isolate the hydraulics. The flash highlights absent work authorisation, lockout and task analysis, and recommends adequate replacement spares.
- 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.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 3 (Summer 2023)
Superyacht incident reports examine missing atmospheric testing equipment, tender lifting-eyebolt failure, an unsafe hull inspection dive, a fall following release of a securing shackle, and an anchoring near miss. Commentary addresses enclosed-space entry, lifting-point specifications, risk assessment, supervision, authority gradients and communication during anchor handling.
- 202221 Dec
Dummy hot stab ejected during leak investigation
A pressure-test near miss involved an incompatible dummy hot stab ejecting from its receptacle while personnel stood nearby but outside the direct line of fire. The flash identifies missing retention, undocumented work controls and inadequate barriers, and recommends secure compatible fittings, safe-distance exclusion zones and depressurisation before investigating leaks.
- 202213 Dec
Fires During Decommissioning Cause Injuries
A contractor suffered facial burns when trapped hydrocarbons ignited during torch cutting of pipework being decommissioned. Earlier seawater flushing and draining had not removed the hydrocarbons. The alert identifies shortcomings in hazard analysis, planning and permitting, and recommends job-specific procedures, atmospheric verification, isolation safeguards and pre-job communication.
- 20221 Nov
BSEE: Poor preparation prior to hot work leads to fires
This safety flash summarises three BSEE hot-work fires involving falling sparks, flammable condensate, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. Recommendations address spark shielding, sustained fire watches, extinguishers, continuous gas monitoring, detector checks, inerting nearby containers, and reviewing hot-work permits and job safety analyses.
- 2022Oct
Communication – the heart of safe operations — Process Safety Beacon, October 2022
A solvent-transfer incident illustrates how unclear maintenance status and informal lockout arrangements can undermine safe restart. An operator was sprayed with solvent from an improperly tightened flange but was not injured. The bulletin emphasises work permits, communication between groups, participation in hazard reviews and following restart plans.
- 202228 Sep
Sunoco Logistics Partners Flash Fire
Investigation of a flash fire and explosion during flange welding at Sunoco’s Nederland terminal, injuring seven contractors. The report examines residual crude oil, pipe isolation tools, atmospheric testing, permits and procedure implementation. It discusses similar incidents and stresses ensuring a non-flammable internal atmosphere before hot work; the specific causal scenario remains unresolved.
- 2022Sep
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 68 (September 2022)
Maritime incident digest examining unsafe work aloft, a timber-cargo overboard casualty, fatal crane-access falls, engine maintenance, navigation errors, tug capsizing and flooding, hot-fuel burns and an eye injury. Commentary addresses continuous harness connection, rescue planning, towage competence, watertight closures, maintenance programmes and accountability during permitted work.
- 2022Aug
What’s an Acceptable LEL Detector Reading? — Process Safety Beacon, August 2022
This bulletin examines a fatal tank explosion during emptying by vacuum truck, where work continued after a reading of 67% of the lower explosive limit. It explains vapour accumulation and sludge hazards, emphasising calibrated gas testing, compliance with testing limits, bonding and grounding, and recognised tank-cleaning practices.
- 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
Poor Preparation Prior to Hot Work Leads to Fires
Three hot-work fires illustrate hazards from flammable vapours at a water skimmer, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. The alert recommends considering spark shielding, drain sealing, inerting, permits, job safety analysis and continuous gas monitoring, alongside appropriately positioned fire watches and accessible extinguishers.
- 202214 Jul
Don’t ASSUME – verify and check
This safety flash examines three incidents involving an unverified slip-ring isolation, a scaffold plank falling when a roller box opened, and workers exposed to moving machinery. It identifies assumptions and incomplete work-control documentation, emphasising completion of authorisation processes, verification of safeguards and speaking up to stop unsafe work.
- 202220 Jun
High potential: electric shock near miss
An engineer received a minor shock while troubleshooting a faulty 690V motor using a multimeter. The junction-box cover touched one phase during replacement; no injury was confirmed. The flash examines an unassessed change to live electrical work, missing isolation and authorisation, inadequate gloves, and subsequent requirements for crew discussion before work.
- 20221 Apr
American P&I Club: Fire Started from cutting torch work
A cargo-hold fire occurred during oxy-acetylene cutting on a vessel in port. Sparks and molten slag passed through pontoon gaps and ignited plastic cargo covering; slag also burnt through a fire blanket. The flash highlights location-specific hot work permits, vigilant fire watches and effective shielding of nearby cargo.
- 2022Apr
Process Safety lessons from a ship fire — Process Safety Beacon, April 2022
This bulletin draws process-industry lessons from the USS Bonhomme Richard fire and a Navy review of earlier ship fires. It highlights improper storage of combustible and hazardous materials, ineffective inspections, deficient hot-work oversight and emergency preparedness, recommending adherence to permit procedures, designated storage and participation in emergency drills.
- 202228 Feb
MSF: LTI – Fall from Height (control of work during SIMOPS)
A crew member fell 3 m through removed gantry grating during vessel superstructure maintenance, in an incident classified as a lost-time injury. The flash identifies ineffective work-control systems, poor situational awareness and communication, and absent barriers or signage. Actions address simultaneous operations planning, pre-task risk assessment and toolbox talks.
- 202228 Feb
Permit to Work and Isolation procedure not followed
An electrician replacing fuses in a live 930V DC vessel drive cabinet experienced an arc flash without injury. The flash examines absent work permits, unsecured and untagged isolation, inadequate procedures and failure to check isolation before work. Actions focus on reviewing work controls and following workplace instructions.
- 202228 Feb
UK HSE: Poor control of work – worker suffered serious injuries
This safety flash describes serious hand and arm injuries during conveyor repair when the line restarted. The supervisor became distracted before completing the permit to work and isolation. It reports the supervisor’s sentencing for safety breaches and highlights failure to implement company procedures for these controls.
- 202210 Feb
Equipment on quay damaged when vessel started listing
A quayside pad-eye inspection using a mobile elevated work platform resulted in basket handrail damage when crane movement caused the vessel to list and its pipelay tower to strike the basket. The flash identifies missing work authorisation, inadequate simultaneous-operations assessment and operator training, and recommends coordinated planning and practised rescue arrangements.
- 202220 Jan
Three bolts sheared on a lifting trunnion
Following offshore renewables transition-piece installation, a 44 kg lifting-trunnion cover plate fell approximately 0.5 m when three securing screws sheared. The flash identifies an incorrect assumption about sideways loading in screw verification, records work-planning safeguards used, and calls for welding cover plates to the trunnions.
- 2022
CHIRP Annual Digest 2022
A compilation of maritime cases published during 2022, with commentary and supporting insight articles. Reports examine navigation, pilot boarding, mooring, towing, engineering maintenance and working conditions. Discussions address communication, bridge-team challenge, pressurised equipment, harness arrangements, risk assessment, permits and training, alongside examples of unsafe practice and effective intervention.
- 202124 Sep
Evergreen Packaging Paper Mill - Fire During Hot Work
Investigation of a fatal fire during paper-mill tower maintenance in Canton, North Carolina. A heat gun fell into flammable resin, and fire spread between connected bleaching towers, killing two workers. The report examines hot-work recognition, confined-space permits, contractor coordination, combustible fibreglass construction and emergency response, with recommendations for procedures and training.
- 202122 Sep
Electrician suffered flash burn to hand
An electrician suffered a hand flash burn while checking insulation on a 690-volt bus bar aboard a vessel in dry dock. The switchboard became live after an unguarded status switch changed and the power management system closed a breaker. Lessons address isolation, shipyard work permits, supervision and communication.
- 20218 Apr
Dropped object – Crane auxiliary block dropped from crane boom
A vessel crane’s 30 kg auxiliary block fell approximately 30 metres onto the main deck during preparations for load and rock testing. Double blocking and failed overload protection were identified. The flash discusses permit controls, restricted deck access, daily crane checks and banksman positioning, including additional spotters where applicable.
- 202130 Mar
Dropped object – Steel deck plate falls from pipelay tower
A steel deck plate fell 9 m during pipelay tower inspection on a vessel in dry dock. Corroded, incorrectly specified bolts and inadequate support were identified in an undocumented modification. Nobody was hurt; barriers protected the drop zone. The flash recommends routine inspection of elevated plates and fixings, and controlled equipment modifications.
- 20218 Feb
Safety Alert 410 - Damaged Electric Cord Results in Arc
An arc flash occurred during construction after a steel self-retracting lanyard cable wore through welding lead insulation and contacted exposed wires. Neither fire nor injury occurred. BSEE recommends considering cable separation, safe routing, pre-use inspections and inclusion of electrical hazard assessments in permit-to-work and job safety analysis reviews.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202023 Jun
Fall from a height into a ballast tank
A welder helper fell through a tween-deck opening while accessing work inside a vessel’s ballast tank. The flash identifies inadequate route assessment, job-specific permit shortcomings and a late team change. It describes safer access, revised confined-space risk assessments, retraining and renewed emphasis on stop-work authority; the cause of the fall remains unknown.
- 202023 Jun
Man overboard from stinger
An electrician checking a stinger camera on a vessel alongside in port fell about two metres through an opening in the grating into the water. He reached a pre-deployed lifebuoy and was recovered with minor scratches. The flash examines deferred repairs, unverified work controls and failures to reassess unsafe conditions.
- 202022 May
Fall from Height Leading to Injury
A bosun slipped and fell 2.5 m to a vessel’s deck during FRC stowage following davit wire replacement, injuring his ankle. The flash examines an uneven, unguarded area and missed fall hazards in work planning. Actions included revised job safety analysis, fall-protection signage and hazard hunts by unfamiliar personnel.
- 202028 Apr
Fire in engine room and subsequent collision with structure on transport barge
A tug suffered an engine-room fire after fuel oil escaped during pressure testing and ignited on hot engines. A blackout preceded collision with a structure protruding from the transport barge. The flash examines failed emergency and fire systems, permit shortcomings and recommendations for controlling non-standard work and improving crew familiarisation.
- 20206 Mar
Near miss: Failure of work procedures during hot work at height
A vessel Master spotted welding beside an unsecured edge during installation of access support plates in the port-side davit area. Despite a permit, risk assessment and toolbox talk, height hazards remained unaddressed. Welding was stopped and extra fall prevention installed; the account highlights inadequate assessment and acceptance of a supposedly quick task.
- 2020Mar
March, 2020 - Vacuum Trucks can Catch Fire and Explode! — Process Safety Beacon, March 2020
This bulletin describes a vacuum truck explosion at a Californian wastewater facility involving incompatible substances, followed by fires and evacuations. It explains flammable vapour and static electricity hazards during vacuum collection, and highlights permit completion, material compatibility checks, grounding and bonding, and separation of vent discharge from ignition sources.
- 201930 Sep
Near miss – Diving operations while alongside
A main engine started while a diver cleared bow-thruster debris in a dockyard; the bridge immediately shut it down and the diver escaped unhurt. The flash identifies failures in communication, permits, lockout/tagout and risk assessment, and recommends physical isolation and verified control-of-work arrangements before diving.
- 201917 Sep
Fatal fall from height on-board Seatruck Pace in Liverpool in December 2018
A crewman preparing to paint a ramp hatch cover on Seatruck Pace died after falling 4.5 metres through the hatch. He had crossed a temporary safety barrier for undetermined reasons. The flash discusses risk tolerance, procedural adherence and owners’ actions on barriers, work permits, harness records, training and safety culture.
- 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.
- 201923 Aug
Near miss: Diver’s umbilical trapped
During near-shore diving, an untended umbilical drifted against a seawater intake screen and became trapped when the automated bar started. Emergency stopping and manual reversal freed it; neither diver was injured. The flash identifies absent isolation and inadequate supervision, and records reviews of risk assessment, dive planning and permit requirements.
- 2019Aug
Hidden Hazards! — Process Safety Beacon, August 2019
This manufacturing safety bulletin addresses hidden chemical and energy hazards before opening process equipment. An employee injury involving undocumented piping containing sulphuric acid illustrates the problem. It recommends understanding equipment contents, verifying labels, reviewing service changes, following line-breaking and lockout procedures, and resolving uncertainties before proceeding.
- 20192 Jul
Fall from height on ro-ro freight vessel Seatruck Pace with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines an assistant bosun’s fatal fall through an open hatch aboard Seatruck Pace in Liverpool. It analyses temporary edge barriers, trailer trestle use during hatch-cover maintenance, risk assessments and permit arrangements. The report identifies weaknesses in safety culture and records management actions; no recommendations were made.
- 201918 Jun
High potential near miss: Person found unconscious in confined space
A commissioning engineer entered a gas valve unit during nitrogen pressure testing and collapsed. Entry proceeded without a confined-space permit, atmospheric test results or safety watch. Following rescue and CPR, the engineer recovered fully. The flash emphasises authorised entry, atmosphere testing, a safety watch, rescue planning and discussion with a supervisor.
- 201913 May
Near miss: Fire of electrical distribution board during diving operations
A barge lost electrical power during air diving at 18 msw when breaker removal created a short circuit and bus-bar flash fire. The diver was recovered using backup power without injury. The flash identifies failures in isolation, lockout/tagout, work permitting and communication between simultaneous electrical and diving operations.
- 20195 Apr
LTI: Head injury
A chief engineer suffered a serious head injury when a vessel’s jammed provisions elevator dropped during attempted clearance with a pry bar. Packaging had obstructed the shaft, leaving lifting chains slack. The flash identifies missing formal work planning, commissioning and quality-control deficiencies, and a design flaw permitting safety-interlock bypass.
- 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.
- 201928 Jan
Confined space entry: Person overcome by fumes and rendered unconscious
A vessel crew member cleaning a faulty sewage-tank sensor was overcome by hydrogen sulphide, lost consciousness and fell from a fixed rack to the deck. The flash identifies failures in risk assessment, work authorisation, atmospheric checks and maintenance procedures, and reinforces safe systems of work and awareness of gas hazards.
- 201928 Jan
Person felt unwell while working in confined space
A worker became dizzy and weak while cleaning a mud tank and was rescued by the tank watchman. The flash identifies deficiencies in permits, atmospheric checks, gas detector use, isolation and rescue arrangements. It highlights missing mud hazard information and checks of lockout kits, detectors and rescue equipment.
- 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.
- 201830 Oct
Electrician received electric shock from a bare cable
An electrician suffered an electric shock when his hand touched an exposed live cable end while installing cable in a vessel cable tray. The wire was incorrectly labelled as spare. The flash describes a cable verification campaign and recommends work-area inspections, anomaly reporting and appropriate permits and isolations.
- 2018Aug
Life-Saving Rules (IOGP Report 459)
Introduces nine revised Life-Saving Rules for oil and gas workers, supported by analysis of reported fatalities from 2008–2017. Explains organisational conditions for implementation, leadership commitment, ongoing engagement and integration with existing management systems. Provides guidance on hazardous activities, work authorisation, energy isolation and personal safeguards.
- 201814 Jun
Recent prosecutions by the UK HSE
Two UK HSE prosecution summaries describe a worker crushed during vehicle unloading and two workers burnt in an electrical flashover after bypassing a fuse-panel interlock. Findings include inadequate work systems, unloading training and driver briefing, alongside absent electrical safety rules, permits and risk assessment.
- 2018Jun
Safe Work Permits – Understand the Scope of Work — Process Safety Beacon, June 2018
This bulletin examines two nitrogen-asphyxiation deaths during refinery maintenance after workers attempted to retrieve tape from a vessel outside the permitted job scope. It emphasises recognising scope changes, reassessing confined-space entry requirements, communicating hazards and stopping work to consult the permit issuer before undertaking unapproved tasks.
- 201824 Apr
Packaging Corporation of America Hot Work Explosion
Investigation of a foul condensate tank explosion at PCA’s DeRidder mill that killed three contractors and injured seven. Air ingress created an explosive atmosphere; nearby hot work was the probable ignition source. The report examines turpentine recovery, outage conditions, permit limitations, process safety boundaries and explosion safeguards, with comparisons to earlier incidents.
- 2018Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant, fishing and recreational vessels. Cases examine collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and personnel injuries, with attention to navigation, towing, maintenance and emergency readiness. Equipment-specific discussions include pilot-ladder deterioration, bilge-pump blockage, carbon monoxide alarms and safety-tether hook deformation under lateral loading.