Control
Risk Assessment
Structured assessment of hazards and risk for tasks or operations.
Newest 100 Documents
All 1,237 in search- 202620 Aug
Man overboard from the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Sea Eagle (AH18) resulting in one presumed fatality
MAIB investigates the presumed loss of Sea Eagle’s lone skipper off Montrose. The mechanism of entry into the water remains unknown. Analysis examines semi-self-shooting creel operations, increased entanglement risk when carrying two strings, incomplete risk assessments, cold-water exposure and limitations on raising the alarm and self-recovery.
- 202619 Aug
Segregate Pyrotechnics and Verify Flare Type Before Emergency Drills
A worker suffered second-degree burns after mistakenly activating a parachute flare rather than a handheld flare during a fast rescue craft drill. The alert examines mixed storage, inadequate planning and training, and procedural non-adherence, recommending consideration of improved segregation, labelling, task-specific controls and alternatives to offshore pyrotechnic expending.
- 202610 Aug
United States Steel Corporation Clairton Plant Coke Oven Explosion
Investigates the fatal Clairton coke works explosion during high-pressure water washing of a cast-iron isolation valve. Overpressurisation caused valve failure and a coke oven gas release. The report examines maintenance procedures, hazard assessment, occupied-building siting and process safety governance, supported by valve examination and causal analysis.
- 202621 Jul
Bio-Lab Inc. Conyers Fire and Chemical Release
Investigation of the Conyers chemical-storage warehouse fire and release examines sprinkler corrosion, water-triggered decomposition and emergency response. It identifies sprinkler component failure as the most likely initiating water source, analyses storage and ventilation shortcomings, and recommends corporate safeguards and broader reactive-hazard coverage. Supporting work includes AcciMap analysis and chemical testing.
- 202625 Jun
Serious injury to a crew member on board the scallop dredger Jacoba (BM77)
Investigation into serious crushing injuries aboard Jacoba during scallop dredging in the English Channel. A winch-operated main beam was lowered while a deckhand worked beneath it to clear snagged gear. The report examines inadequate task-specific risk assessments, snag-clearing procedures, familiarisation, crew certification and oversight, and recommends improvements to fleet safety management.
- 202618 Jun
Fall overboard from the crab potting vessel Amadeus (TH7) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard during manual crab-pot hauling on Amadeus in the North Sea. It examines low bulwark protection, biomechanical demands, almost certain significant fatigue, absent flotation and ineffective recovery arrangements. Findings address deficient safety management and regulatory oversight, with recommendations on fall prevention, handling assessment and work–rest monitoring.
- 202627 May
Givaudan Sense Colour Explosion
Investigation of a fatal reactor explosion during caramel colouring manufacture in Louisville. A vent valve failed closed, accelerating sugar decomposition; cooling and emergency pressure relief capacity were inadequate. Calorimetry and component testing inform findings on reactive hazards, process safety implementation, operating limits, occupied-building siting and regulatory coverage gaps.
- 202621 May
Man overboard from the potting vessel Wilaya (M36) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard incident during pot deployment on Wilaya near Jack Sound. A rope bight caught the deckhand’s leg, dragging him into the sea; attached gear overcame his flotation device. The report examines crew–gear separation, risk-assessment implementation, safety training, inspection shortcomings and casualty recovery.
- 202615 May
Preventing sexual harassment in the offshore energy industry guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on preventing and responding to sexual harassment as a psychosocial hazard. It addresses legal duties, worker consultation, proactive hazard identification, documented risk assessment, work design and leadership. Reporting privacy, investigation arrangements, worker support and review of prevention measures are also discussed.
- 202614 May
Shifting cargo and deck spill during heavy weather
During heavy-weather transit, a brine storage tank shifted approximately 0.5 m, struck a crash rail and damaged its manifold valve, spilling brine onto the deck. The flash identifies slackening lashing chains and inadequate securing, and recommends redundant lashings, impact protection for vulnerable fittings and review of weather risk assessments.
- 202614 May
Worker suffered crush injury while handling unstable steel plates
A worker holding vertically balanced steel plates sustained hand, wrist and finger fractures when a plate toppled, trapping their hand and wrist. The flash examines temporary storage, removed sea fastenings, limited workspace and inadequate task risk assessment, highlighting how local conditions and past experience shaped the work.
- 20267 May
Grounding and subsequent loss of the fishing vessel Crystal Stream (LH 147)
MAIB investigates Crystal Stream’s grounding and subsequent loss near Barmore Island, Scotland. The lone watchkeeper fell asleep; severe fatigue from accumulated sleep debt was highly likely. The report examines flooding, ineffective watchkeeping, delayed liferaft evacuation and inadequate safety management, recommending improved watchkeeping procedures and fleetwide fatigue management.
- 2026May
GEC Type VMX High Voltage Switchgear (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom or Areva T&D)
HSE safety notice addresses partial discharge and vacuum interrupter integrity in legacy GEC VMX high-voltage switchgear. Following a disruptive circuit-breaker failure involving arcing and fire, it recommends checking applicable design modifications, maintenance records and substation environmental conditions, alongside discharge surveys, integrity testing and revised access risk assessments.
- 202630 Apr
Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into two deckhands entering the water during pot deployment aboard Weston Bay, with one death. It examines manual downstacking, exposure to running gear, loss of flotation support and failed recovery equipment, alongside deficiencies in emergency drills, risk assessments, crew task allocation and safety training. The second deckhand’s entry mechanism remains unknown.
- 202628 Apr
Failure of moonpool railing system caused man overboard situation in moonpool
A degraded removable railing post failed when a crew member lost balance beside a moonpool. They caught a guidewire and were rescued with a boathook, sustaining a dislocated shoulder. The flash examines inspection omissions, unclear responsibilities and ineffective hazard follow-up, recommending secured barriers, preventive maintenance and pre-task assessment of barrier failure.
- 202615 Apr
Death of seafarer due to fall from crane cabin
A seafarer cleaning a cargo crane cabin on an anchored vessel fell 12 m to the deck and died. The investigation identified probable window seal failure following removal of protective grating. Possible corrosion and glass weakening are discussed, alongside lessons on barrier integrity, structural inspection, routine-task risk assessment and warning signage.
- 2026Apr
Offshore First Aid and Medical Provision Inspection Guide
Inspection guidance for assessing first aid and medical provision on offshore installations. It addresses site-specific needs assessments, medic and first-aider staffing, qualifications, medical emergency response plans and treatment facilities. Checklists examine medicines, records, equipment assurance and emergency exercises, alongside compliance scoring and enforcement assessment.
- 202631 Mar
Ageing assets and life extension
Guidance on managing ageing assets and extending facility life through lifecycle planning, performance monitoring and integrity assurance. It presents a plan-do-check-act self-assessment framework, ageing modes analysis, competence arrangements and independent verification. Regulatory duties and health and safety representative involvement are discussed, alongside a Northern Endeavour corrosion example.
- 202631 Mar
ALARP in the context of well integrity guidance note
Guidance for titleholders on demonstrating reasonably practicable reduction of well-integrity risks within well operations management plans. It explains gross disproportion, recognised good practice, well-specific risk assessment and precaution under uncertainty. Supported arguments, proportionate analysis and continuing control effectiveness underpin the demonstration; no single methodology is prescribed.
- 202631 Mar
Hazard identification and risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for titleholders on assessing well integrity risks throughout the well lifecycle. It discusses subsurface assessment, independent design review, qualitative and quantitative analysis, FMECA, bow-tie methods and risk registers. Risk profiles inform monitoring and maintenance regimes, anomaly management, change assessment, and planning for well suspension and abandonment.
- 202631 Mar
Oil pollution risk management guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on evaluating oil pollution risks and preparing emergency response arrangements under environmental regulations. It addresses worst-case releases, oil fate and trajectory modelling, ALARP demonstrations, response resources and jurisdictional interfaces, alongside environmental monitoring, personnel competence, exercises and continuing assurance of response readiness.
- 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.
- 202631 Mar
Staged WOMP submission process
NOPSEMA describes its preferred phased submission of well operations management plans, separating lifecycle management processes from construction, production and abandonment detail. The paper explains concept-selection and detailed-design submissions, risk registers, barrier acceptance criteria, change management and regulatory inspections, while allowing titleholders to retain their existing submission structure.
- 202631 Mar
Well integrity control measures and performance standards guidance note
Guidance for developing and implementing well operation management plans addresses selection, assessment and assurance of well-integrity controls throughout the lifecycle. It explains links between risk assessment and measurable performance standards, periodic effectiveness reviews, functional testing, procedural assurance, contingency measures and relief-well planning, with quality checks for documented control performance.
- 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
MAIB: Sinking of tug Biter with loss of two lives
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on Biter’s fatal girting and capsize during passenger-vessel towage off Greenock. It highlights incomplete operational exchanges, inadequate pilot training, speed-related line loading, ineffective gob-rope protection and an open hatch. Recommendations address risk assessments, gob-rope rigging, manoeuvring speeds and tug-master and pilot training.
- 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.
- 2026Mar
Wild Birds (Nesting) Advice Note v1 March 2026
Advice for UKCS oil and gas operators protecting nesting birds during installation decommissioning. It explains licensing routes and tests, bird management plans, survey timing and competence, and limitations of deterrent methods. An appended case describes combined deterrents at a Southern North Sea installation without establishing which measure chiefly prevented nesting.
- 202626 Feb
Dow Louisiana Operations Explosions
Investigation of the Dow Plaquemine explosion examines work lights left inside a reflux drum during turnaround. Degraded light debris punctured a rupture disc, admitting ethylene oxide into air-containing relief piping. The report analyses vessel closure practices, loss of nitrogen inerting, inadequate monitoring and relief routing that enabled propagation into the drum.
- 202612 Feb
Girting and capsize of tug Biter with the loss of two lives while assisting passenger vessel Hebridean Princess
Investigation of Biter’s fatal girting and capsize while assisting Hebridean Princess on the River Clyde. It examines towing speed, bridle loading, gob-rope securing, watertight integrity, operational exchanges and training. The precise reason for gob-rope rendering remained unresolved; post-salvage testing found the towing-hook release mechanism functional.
- 20265 Feb
Collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah (GH 116)
Investigates the collision of Apache and Serinah in the Firth of Clyde and the trawler’s subsequent flooding and sinking. Examines inadequate avoiding action, watchkeeping competence, navigation equipment, traffic monitoring and assistance after collision. All three fishing crew survived uninjured; recommendations address navigational training and understanding fishing vessel behaviour.
- 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.
- 202629 Jan
Flooding and foundering of stern trawler Opportune (LK 209)
Investigation of Opportune’s foundering east of Lerwick following uncontrolled engine-room flooding. Seawater pipework failure was considered the most likely cause, but remained unconfirmed. The report examines pipework inspection, inaccessible sea inlet valves, lack of remote bilge-pump operation and flood preparedness. All eight crew were rescued uninjured from liferafts.
- 202627 Jan
Human Factors information paper - Critical task analysis
This information paper explains how critical task analysis supports identification and assessment of human error risk in offshore petroleum operations. It describes hierarchical and tabular task analysis, data collection, goal decomposition and plans analysis, then outlines risk assessment and a staged organisational approach to introducing the methodology.
- 202622 Jan
Mechanic got burns due to fire in portable generator
A marine mechanic sustained minor right-arm burns after spilled petrol ignited during portable-generator refuelling at a dock workshop. Dragging the generator produced a friction spark. The flash identifies missing rubber bushings, absent procedures and risk assessment, inadequate maintenance and housekeeping, and difficult access to fire extinguishers.
- 202612 Jan
LTI – back injury
An Able Seaman suffered a lower-back injury while lowering a crew transfer vessel’s gangway onto the quay. The flash examines lone manual handling, crane-position constraints, uncertain gangway weight and inadequate procedural risk controls. Lessons include ideally using two people when mechanical aids cannot be used, reviewing assessments and verifying gangway weights.
- 2026
Fit testing respiratory protective equipment for escape and emergency response on offshore installations
Guidance on face-fit testing respiratory protection for offshore escape and emergency response teams. It distinguishes tight-fitting breathing apparatus from escape equipment that does not require fit testing, and addresses risk assessment, clean-shaven policies, prompt donning and training. Dutyholders are advised to review escape provision and ensure emergency responders receive required fit testing.
- 202522 Dec
Safety case lifecycle management guidance note
Guidance explains regulatory management of facility safety cases from design notification and operator registration through submission, acceptance, revision and withdrawal. It distinguishes internal management of change from changes requiring formal revision, addresses five-yearly reviews and validation-scope agreements, and emphasises maintaining an accurate, continually reviewed account of safety arrangements.
- 202522 Dec
Vessel facilities subject to external hydrocarbon hazards guidance note
Guidance on safety cases for vessel facilities exposed to external hydrocarbon hazards. It addresses facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, ignition prevention, gas detection, emergency shutdown and evacuation arrangements. Supporting analyses examine fire, explosion and emergency-system survivability, while the Montara case illustrates shortcomings in preparedness and external-hazard assessment.
- 202518 Dec
BSEE: Anchor-handling causes damage to subsea equipment and triggers gas release
An anchor wire snagged a subsea well during recovery by a dive support vessel, subsequently detaching an annulus valve and releasing gas. The flash summarises BSEE findings on inadequate planning, coordination and emergency preparation, with recommendations for consideration covering readiness checks, change management, communication and current-aware anchor-handling plans.
- 202518 Dec
Man overboard in port: Seaman falls from quay access ladder
A seaman climbing a damaged quay access ladder became distracted by moving mooring lines, lost balance and fell onto the gunwale before entering the water. Recovery was achieved without serious injury. The flash highlights continued use of defective access, concentration, stop-work intervention and consideration of quayside conditions in task planning.
- 202517 Dec
Capsize and foundering of the prawn trawler Odyssey (FR 70)
Investigation of Odyssey’s capsize during net recovery in the North Sea. Wash water accumulated on the shelter deck, with a tonnage valve likely obstructed, causing loss of stability. Stability modelling, pump controls, drainage arrangements and emergency preparedness are examined. All six crew abandoned to a liferaft and were rescued uninjured.
- 202510 Dec
Critical task analysis information paper
Explains how critical task analysis supports identification and management of human error risks in offshore petroleum operations. Describes hierarchical decomposition into goals, operations and plans, followed by tabular error analysis and risk assessment. Outlines stakeholder engagement, piloting, iteration and documentation when introducing the methodology.
- 202510 Dec
Psychosocial risk management guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on managing psychosocial hazards and meeting health and safety obligations. It explains individual, job and organisational risks, their effects on human performance, assessment methods, and promotion, prevention, intervention and mitigation measures. Periodic review and a practical workload-management example illustrate reducing risk to ALARP.
- 202510 Dec
Qualifications of medical personnel on offshore facilities guidance note
Guidance on qualifications and competency assurance for medical personnel at offshore petroleum facilities. It sets out legislative duties, recommended remote healthcare experience and a risk-based approach to staffing. It discusses telemedicine, multiple-casualty resources, diving medical support and additional measures where dedicated medical personnel may be impracticable.
- 20259 Dec
Human error risk reduction to ALARP information paper
This information paper suggests an ALARP-based approach to human error risk in the Australian offshore petroleum industry. It treats error as a barrier-defeating factor and outlines critical-task identification, error classification, performance-shaping factor analysis and control evaluation, distinguishing prevention from recovery and consequence mitigation.
- 2025Dec
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 8 (December 2025)
Superyacht incident reports examine a failed mooring attachment, captain harassment, generator starter battery explosions, collision at anchor, unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, unprotected work aloft and defective life rafts. Commentary discusses battery capacity and ventilation, engineering handovers, equipment servicing and testing, reporting concerns and organisational safety culture.
- 2025Dec
The Offshore Health Risk Management Inspection Guide
An umbrella inspection guide for assessing offshore dutyholders’ occupational health and industrial hygiene management. It uses a Plan, Do, Check, Act framework to examine strategies, health risk assessments, competence, control effectiveness and review arrangements. Performance descriptors link compliance findings to enforcement expectations and inform future regulatory inspection priorities.
- 202526 Nov
Control measures and performance standards guidance note
Guidance for offshore facility operators on selecting and assessing controls for major accident risks and establishing verifiable performance standards. It addresses layered protection, common-mode failures, ALARP demonstration, critical operating parameters and lifecycle suitability, linking safety-case documentation with functional testing, monitoring, audit, review and contingency arrangements when controls underperform.
- 20257 Nov
ATSB: Undocumented modification contributed to steam burns
An oil tanker maintenance team suffered burns when hot condensate escaped during steam valve bonnet removal. The ATSB found insufficient cooling time and an undocumented drain-line modification that likely weakened isolation. The flash highlights formal management of change, recording and assessing changes, adequate cooling and visual confirmation of isolation.
- 20257 Nov
Bunker hose obstructing emergency exit
A bunker hose on an offshore vessel prevented a stern emergency hatch from opening, potentially blocking escape. The flash discusses hose routing, crew supervision and incorporating engine-room escape into bunkering risk assessments and toolbox talks. It stresses keeping exits clear and asks whether barriers or signage could prevent obstruction.
- 20257 Nov
Course Descriptor - Refresher HSR training for the offshore petroleum industry
This guideline sets minimum requirements for accredited refresher training for offshore petroleum health and safety representatives. It recommends a one-day course using peer collaboration and case studies, covering legislative updates, risk management and safety cases. Practical learning includes formal safety assessment of major accident events and visualising prevention and mitigation controls.
- 20257 Nov
Involving the workforce guidance note
Guidance on involving workers in safety-case development, revision and implementation. It addresses participation in formal safety assessments, access to information, consultation records and consideration of feedback. Management commitment, representative structures, dedicated time, cooperation and relevant training underpin the approaches described, with mandatory requirements distinguished from recommendations.
- 2025Nov
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 81
Six confidential maritime reports examine a pilot’s fall, unsafe ladder rigging, illegal waste disposal, congested harbour operations involving an uncrewed vessel, a yacht–ferry close-quarters encounter and management intimidation. Commentary discusses transfer procedures, collision avoidance, competence assurance, reporting protections and the influence of leadership on safety and environmental compliance.
- 2025Nov
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholders’ COSHH arrangements and legal compliance. It uses a Plan, Do, Check, Act framework to examine risk assessments, engineering controls, respirator fit testing, exposure monitoring and health surveillance. Performance descriptors link inspection findings to enforcement expectations and help prioritise future regulatory interventions.
- 2025Nov
Food Hygiene Inspection Guide
An offshore food hygiene inspection guide for regulatory inspectors, linking legal requirements with dutyholder performance ratings and enforcement expectations. Its Plan, Do, Check, Act checklist examines HACCP arrangements, catering facilities, temperature monitoring, cross-contamination, cleaning, maintenance, staff competence and verification of food safety management.
- 2025Nov
Water Management
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ potable-water arrangements and legionella controls. It covers system-wide risk assessment, written control schemes, hose disinfection, biocide dosing and chemical and microbiological monitoring. Success criteria, performance scoring and enforcement expectations support inspectors’ judgements on legal compliance and occupational health protection.
- 202530 Oct
Supporting safety studies guidance note
Guidance explains supporting studies for facility safety cases, covering fire and explosion risk analysis, smoke and gas impairment, evacuation, escape and rescue, and emergency-system survivability. It distinguishes regulatory requirements from recommendations and discusses systematic assessment, modelling assumptions, control performance and evidence that risks are reduced as low as reasonably practicable.
- 202529 Oct
Hazard identification guidance note
Guidance on systematic hazard identification for offshore petroleum facilities and its integration with formal safety assessment. It compares HAZOP, task analysis, FMEA, what-if and tree-based methods, explaining their limitations. Workforce participation, documented assumptions, justified exclusions and ongoing review support assessment of major accident hazards and wider health and safety risks.
- 202527 Oct
Japan Transport Safety Board: two confined space fatalities
An IMCA flash summarises a Japanese bulk-carrier incident in which two stevedores collapsed during unloading; one died and one was seriously injured. Low oxygen and elevated carbon dioxide were likely linked to palm kernel shell fermentation. It highlights absent atmospheric testing, inadequate work controls and recommendations for training and cargo risk profiling.
- 202521 Oct
ALARP guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum operators on demonstrating ALARP through safety cases. It examines reasonable practicability, design choices, good practice, standards and proportionate risk analysis. It also addresses uncertainty, justification of control selection, performance standards and ongoing assurance, distinguishing major accident assessment from the broader health and safety responsibilities of the safety management system.
- 202521 Oct
Risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum operators on assessing major accident and wider health and safety risks. It explains qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative methods, likelihood and consequence analysis, control reliability and uncertainty. Safety-case documentation, ALARP arguments, workforce participation, assessment review and quality assurance underpin selection of appropriate controls.
- 202516 Oct
Fatal injury to a recreational diver following contact with the motor vessel Karin operating as a recreational dive support vessel
Investigates a recreational diver’s fatal propeller strike during a drift decompression stop in Scapa Flow. Examines Karin’s obstructed forward visibility, ineffective lookout, marker-buoy attachment, vessel coordination and absent documented safety arrangements. Recommendations address harbour oversight, while the annexed bulletin discusses safe vessel separation and hand-held marker-buoy lines.
- 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.
- 20252 Oct
Worker suffered eye injuries in electric arc incident
A vessel electro-technical officer suffered light eye burns from an electrical arc while disconnecting a shore power cable that appeared still energised. Initial findings identified inadequate vessel–quayside communication and documentation. The flash emphasises voltage testing, isolation, improved communication, risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- 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
Uncoordinated Emergency Shutdown due to pipe failure
A tanker cargo discharge stopped when a duty AB activated emergency shutdown after observing a minor leak, without coordinating with the cargo control room. Copper tubing had failed through vibration fatigue. The flash describes revised shutdown procedures, coordination training and periodic vibration risk assessments, with tubing dampers or supports under consideration.
- 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.
- 202511 Sep
Man overboard from fishing vessel Kingfisher (DH 110) with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fatal overboard accident during manual creel shooting on Kingfisher. A toggle passed through a loose flotation-device becket, attaching a deckhand to fishing gear that pulled him underwater. It analyses equipment compatibility, uncommunicated snagging hazards, ineffective risk assessments and incomplete training, and records recovery efforts and subsequent safety actions.
- 20254 Sep
Hand crushed during coiled tubing reel handling
A worker suffered severe hand injuries and partial amputations of three fingers while aligning a coiled tubing reel into a cradle. A securing frame shifted and trapped the hand. The flash identifies entrapment-prone design, inadequate instructions and incomplete risk assessment, recommending hands-free guiding, equipment familiarisation and improved toolbox talks.
- 202521 Aug
Avoiding fatigue guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on preventing and managing workforce fatigue within the regulatory framework. It examines sleep debt, circadian rhythms and interacting organisational factors, outlining layered fatigue risk management through staffing, roster design, sleep opportunities, screening and training. It also addresses handovers, interrupted sleep, incident investigation and monitoring of barrier performance.
- 202521 Aug
Serious injury to a passenger on the sea safari rigid inflatable boat Lundy Explorer
Investigates a passenger’s permanent spinal injury during wave-induced slamming aboard Lundy Explorer at Ilfracombe. Examines forward jockey seating, passenger bracing, safety briefings, sea-condition decisions and regulatory gaps. Records restrictions on forward-seat use and recommends improved operating procedures and risk assessments within a safety management system.
- 202519 Aug
Operational risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for offshore oil and gas operators on assessing temporary impairment of safety-critical controls and operation outside design limits. It explains hazard identification, qualitative or semi-quantitative risk evaluation, mitigation assurance, cumulative risk, responsibilities and restoration periods. Assessment must not justify predetermined continuation decisions or substitute for managing permanent changes.
- 202519 Aug
UK HSE: Motion Compensated Gangways Auto-Retraction
This IMCA flash summarises UK HSE concerns about unplanned retraction of motion-compensated gangways following power or control-system failures. It explains why simultaneous alarms provide inadequate warning and outlines required reviews of gangway arrangements and automatic-function testing, alongside recommended technical risk assessment and rigorous assessment of operator overrides.
- 202514 Aug
Brazil: diver permanently disabled after decompression illness
A Brazilian diver suffered permanent disability following decompression illness after underwater inspection and maintenance at 26 m. The flash describes a malfunctioning hyperbaric chamber, delayed treatment elsewhere, and deficiencies in emergency planning, transport and communication. It highlights related IMCA guidance on therapeutic deck decompression chamber operations.
- 2025Aug
Excavators : Use of safety control lever or isolation devices
This safety notice addresses unintended excavator movement and correct use of safety control levers or isolation devices. It describes a fatal crushing during lifting after inadvertent joystick contact caused slewing, and sets out expectations for isolation, monitoring, safe-approach communication, risk assessment and operator and slinger competence.
- 2025Aug
Motion Compensated Gangways Auto-retraction
HSE warns that power failures or control-system errors can trigger unexpected retraction of motion-compensated gangways, exposing users to falls and moving parts. The notice requires reviews of gangway arrangements, design and automatic-function testing, and calls for adequate advance warnings and rigorous assessment of operator overrides.
- 202531 Jul
Diver sustains laceration to right hand
A diver retrieving tooling during air/nitrox diving at 18 m suffered a deep right-thumb laceration when vessel movement parted a weak link and drew his hand towards a snatch block. The flash describes downline slack, hand positioning, full recovery, and changes to the downline arrangement and tool bag to reduce line-of-fire exposure.
- 202510 Jul
Man overboard from creel fishing vessel Nista (LK121) with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard accident involving Nista’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Luing. Entanglement in the back rope pulled him underwater. The report examines deck layout, personal flotation, alarm access, self-recovery and risk assessment, and discusses outstanding industry recommendations on single-handed fishing safety guidance.
- 20253 Jul
Grounding and subsequent loss of the prawn trawler Sustain
Investigation into Sustain’s grounding in Loch Broom and subsequent constructive total loss. It examines the skipper’s accumulated sleep debt, overnight repairs, lone watchkeeping and navigation by eye using a magnetic-compass autopilot. Unimplemented risk controls, absent watch alarms and inadequate passage planning are analysed; the crew were evacuated unharmed.
- 20253 Jul
LTI: Hand injury during capstan maintenance
A crew member suffered a serious hand injury while greasing a vessel capstan when rotation trapped his hand between an underside wire clamp and the deck. The flash examines difficult access and grease-gun design, describing grease-point extensions, clamp removal, revised maintenance procedures and wider inspections for line-of-fire hazards.
- 2025Jul
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 10
Six superyacht reports examine dismissed safety concerns, inconsistent fall protection, unsafe pilot boarding, crew abandonment, a mooring-line injury and chemical burns. Commentary addresses leadership, reporting protection, procedural compliance and task risk assessment. An appended flag-state flyer reinforces safe working at height, equipment training and intervention in unsafe work.
- 202512 Jun
Design notification guidance note
Explains design notification requirements for new or significantly altered production facilities and new greenhouse gas facilities. Covers notification triggers, design options, major accident risks, pipeline materials, decommissioning and site conditions. Clarifies independent validation, subsequent safety-case demonstrations and NOPSEMA’s assessment process, which produces written comments rather than acceptance.
- 202512 Jun
Diving Guidelines - Diving Safety Management Systems and Diving Project Plans
Guidance for preparing diving safety management systems and project-specific diving plans under OPGGS and OEI regulations. It addresses hazard assessment, operational procedures, competence, maintenance, workforce consultation and change management. Emergency provisions include diving bell rescue and evacuation of saturation divers while maintaining pressure, alongside monitoring, investigation and audit requirements.
- 20254 Jun
LTI: Back injury in Confined Space (Tank Entry)
A worker injured their lower back after losing hand grip while exiting a confined compartment feet-first through a lightening hole during planned maintenance. The flash examines access ergonomics and gaps in risk assessment, describing additional grab handles, possible platforms under investigation and a review of confined-space entry procedures.
- 20254 Jun
MAIB: LTI – fingers lost during mooring operations
A crew member suffered severe finger injuries while resecuring a tender’s mooring rope during a river transfer. Unequal freeboards produced a steep rope angle, and passing-boat wash moved the tender. The flash highlights entrapment risks and conditional assessment of cleat design and fitting for routine operations.
- 20253 Jun
TS USA Molten Salt Eruption
Investigates the fatal molten-salt eruption at TS USA’s Chattanooga facility on 30 May 2024. Retained water in a plugged roller generated pressure before entering the oxidising bath and producing a steam explosion. Examines drainage hazards, reprocessing procedures, training, protective barriers and failures to share learning from earlier incidents.
- 202516 May
Person injured when unsecured grating gave away
A worker securing sea-fastening lashings slipped through unfinished walkway grating beside a Multiple Reel Drive System, sustaining shoulder discomfort and leg abrasions. The hot-work subcontractor had been redirected before completing installation. Lessons address assessing risks from unfinished work, communicating its status, barricading access and checking worksite safety.
- 202516 May
Unintended Cargo collision during lifting operations
During vessel-to-vessel backloading, sudden rolling disrupted cargo positioning and the load struck adjacent cargo on the receiving deck. Limited clearance, inadequate load stabilisation and delayed communication contributed. The flash highlights toolbox talks, assessment of vessel movement risks, improved coordination and readiness to stop work.
- 2025May
Risk from height adjustable display screen stands in schools and other education settings
This HSE safety notice addresses impact and crushing risks from motorised height-adjustable display mounts in education settings, including incidents injuring young children. It explains instability, unsuitable fixings and obstructed movement, and sets out responsibilities for users, installers, purchasers and suppliers, emphasising risk assessment, anti-collision protection and restricted access to controls.
- 202529 Apr
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) detected onboard vessel
A vessel-wide odour prompted crew to investigate with gas detectors but without respiratory protection. Hydrogen sulphide reached a measured 170 ppm in the Grease Trap room, entering through a dry drain trap. The flash examines sewage-system maintenance, incomplete procedures and risk assessment, and subsequent revisions to tank-flushing, drain-trap and emergency arrangements.
- 202524 Apr
Person overboard from keelboat LimbItless with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines Elizabeth Wood’s fatal fall overboard from LimbItless off Cowes. The precise fall mechanism remains unknown. It analyses inadequate individual recovery planning, volunteer training, lifejacket suitability and absent safety-boat support, alongside gaps in oversight of charitable sailing activities and subsequent improvements to recovery provision.
- 202510 Apr
Swamping of small commercial vessel Calypso 2 with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Calypso 2’s swamping in a coastal cove in Anguilla, resulting in two drowning fatalities. The report examines exposure to ground seas, excursion risk assessment, passage planning, flotation-device use and regulatory oversight. It also analyses distress alerting, casualty recovery and medical provision, recommending improvements to vessel management and rescue arrangements.
- 202513 Mar
Marathon Martinez Renewable Fuels Fire
Investigation of a renewable diesel startup fire at Martinez, California, following heater tube rupture. Low process flow and afterburning caused overheating, releasing diesel and hydrogen and seriously injuring an operator. The report examines valve alignment, instrumented safeguards, combustion monitoring, alarm responses, human factors and corporate oversight, with recommendations and comparisons to earlier incidents.
- 202526 Feb
Contact with pier by paddle steamer Waverley
Investigation of Waverley’s contact with Brodick pier on 3 September 2020, injuring 24 passengers and crew. Engine dead centre delayed astern propulsion. The report examines piston valve securing, lost engineering expertise, informal training and unassessed closed-end berthing risks. It records subsequent maintenance and operational changes, with no recommendations made.
- 202520 Feb
LTI: Fall from height during FRC maintenance
A mechanic reinstalling a fast rescue boat engine on a laid-up vessel lost balance while standing on a cable-covering pipe and fell 2.33 m to the main deck, fracturing his left leg. The flash identifies absent fall protection, risk assessment, toolbox discussion and supervision, and stresses planning and stop-work authority.
- 202520 Feb
NOPSEMA – Fauna entanglement
An IMCA safety flash relays a NOPSEMA alert about a shark trapped in a rope loop on an electrical flying lead and freed using an ROV knife without additional harm. It discusses marine fauna interactions with subsea equipment and measures to consider, including installation-aid removal, alternative designs and protective guards.
- 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.
- 20256 Feb
Saturation diver exposed to chemicals from pipeline
A saturation diver suffered chemical burns after exposure to chemically treated seawater while disconnecting a pigging/flushing hose during decommissioning. The flash identifies uncertainty over flushing and absent engineered barriers. Lessons address understanding pipeline contents, hazard analysis, amended procedures, valve isolation and securing, and reducing exposure through local valves.
- 2025
2 - Integrity management of FPSOs/FSUs
OMAR guidance addresses structural and maritime integrity of UKCS FPSOs and FSUs, drawing on regulatory interventions. It discusses inspection regimes, hull loading, watertight integrity, cargo systems and station keeping, alongside competence, independent verification and safety-case review. Ageing assets and formal life-extension assessments receive particular attention.