Control
Stop-Work Authority
Authority and practice of stopping unsafe work.
Newest 100 Documents
All 477 in search- 202612 Aug
Improper Use of Hand Tools and Unplanned Deviations from Job Tasks Results in Injuries
Two construction workers sustained facial lacerations during bolt removal: one from an ejected pneumatic rivet-buster piston during troubleshooting, the other from reciprocating-saw kickback after changing tools and removing a face shield. The alert recommends considering pneumatic isolation, manufacturer instructions, job safety analysis updates and stopping work when tasks or protective equipment require reassessment.
- 20266 Jun
Poorly Maintained Crane Components Result in Multiple Personnel Injured During Transfers
Two offshore personnel-basket transfer incidents involved uncontrolled crane auxiliary-line descents and injuries. Investigations identified uncorrected component deficiencies in one case and inadequate hoist brake adjustment in the other. The alert recommends considering timely maintenance, loaded brake checks, wire-rope fouling checks, stop-work interventions, clearer transfer communications and verified medical evacuation arrangements.
- 202614 May
Machinery damaged through improper maintenance technique
An offshore vessel audit identified a fuel oil purifier that failed to self-discharge. Investigation found incompatible component swaps and bowl damage from improper dismantling without specified tools. The flash highlights adherence to manufacturer instructions, compatible genuine parts, planned maintenance intervals, repair records and stop-work authority.
- 202628 Apr
Heaving line snap-back causes injury
A tensioned heaving line broke during berthing, causing quayside workers to fall. One suffered a head impact after an unsecured helmet chin strap allowed the helmet to shift. The flash identifies missing inspections, congestion and inadequate supervision, and recommends line checks, safer positioning and stopping unsafe work.
- 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.
- 202617 Mar
MSF: Unsecured bulk hose near miss
An unsecured bulk hose slipped off a platform supply vessel’s deck during transfer in challenging weather, narrowly missing a crew member. The flash identifies communication problems, insufficient hose length and heavy weather as contributing factors, and stresses confirmed communications, radio maintenance and securing suitable equipment before operations.
- 202617 Mar
Unsafe handling of gas cylinders
A Chief Mate identified unsecured compressed gas cylinders on the quayside before planned gas cutting and welding during vessel maintenance. The flash discusses contractor awareness, perceived time pressure and unavailable securing arrangements, highlighting approved racks, restraint, contractor coordination and crew confidence to stop unsafe work.
- 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.
- 20263 Mar
Towing wire parted
A towing wire failed during barge manoeuvring after earlier snagging damage. Its excessive length for shallow water allowed it to drag along the seabed. The crew continued safely using an alternative wire. Lessons emphasise matching wire length to water depth and stopping to repair damaged equipment before resuming work.
- 202613 Feb
Fall from height during mooring due to rope tension reaction
A tanker’s propeller caught a mooring rope, loading a jetty dolphin platform until the line parted. The platform recoiled and a kneeling worker fell onto a lower platform about 1.8 metres below, sustaining minor scratches. The flash examines barrier design, body positioning, communication and keeping clear of tensioned lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 202517 Nov
Stay in the right place – the importance of personal positioning
Two events illustrate unsafe personal positioning: a seafarer approached a deck edge during berthing to improve visibility, and workers pushed a suspended load during lifting alongside. The flash discusses communication, barriers, hands-free lifting tools, keeping outside load impact zones, clear decks and stopping unsafe work.
- 20257 Nov
Hull crack arising from vibration
An aluminium vessel continued operating despite propeller vibration, later developing a skeg crack and water ingress into the steering room. Crew fitted a cement box, and management required repairs. The flash highlights aluminium’s susceptibility to repetitive stress and urges investigation of changed or increased vibration.
- 202527 Oct
LTI: serious injury to thumb when pipe fell during maintenance
A vessel engineer sustained partial thumb amputation when a grey water pipe fell about 1.4 m during dismantling, trapping his thumb against a supporting clamp plate. The flash examines inadequate securing and hand positioning, recommending primary and secondary retention and a workplace culture that enables staff to challenge unsafe practices.
- 202527 Oct
On a more positive note…
Fleet visits identified positive safety practices, including an engaging bridge toolbox talk reinforcing stop-work authority before entry into a 500m zone. The flash highlights well-organised inspection and maintenance of life-saving equipment, advance preparation of firefighting clothing and boots, and the importance of regular drills and crew training for emergency readiness.
- 20252 Oct
Dropped object due to over-ridden limit switch
A vessel crane operator bypassed limit switches while raising the hook for an overboarding lift. A mini beacon struck the clump weight and fell to the deck; a restraint and sensor cable also parted. Nobody was injured. The flash examines knuckle-boom configuration, override decisions, safety-system verification and safer equipment design.
- 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
BSEE Safety Alert 507 - Improper Use of Equipment and Tools Increases Risk of Fires and Explosions Offshore
BSEE identifies recurring offshore tool misuse involving live electrical circuits, explosive atmospheres and high-pressure or high-temperature systems. Cases include unsuitable hand tools and a plumber’s plug used during welding. Recommendations address competence evaluation, tool ratings and tracking, maintenance, pre-work audits, qualified inspections and authority to halt unsafe work.
- 20254 Sep
BSEE: Electromagnetic lifting device dropped steel plate
This safety flash summarises a BSEE incident in which a steel plate detached from a worn magnetic lifting device, fell approximately 1.2 m and injured two workers’ feet. It discusses inadequate task hazard analysis and stop-work culture, alongside recommendations for inspections, load testing, power stability and electromagnetic lifter operating procedures.
- 20254 Sep
Two hand injuries caused during mooring
Two mooring incidents involved a hand trapped by a tightening line during rough weather and a finger crushed between a rope and handrail, requiring amputation. Lessons address dedicated fender mooring points, task risk assessment, supervisory roles, stopping unsafe work and considering postponement when weather causes vessel movement.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202518 Jun
Dropped pallet during forklift operation
A safety flash describes a 500kg pallet load falling from a flatbed truck and narrowly missing its driver during forklift unloading. It identifies load positioning, a high centre of gravity, fork positioning and personnel positioning issues. Lessons include revised forklift procedures and ensuring suppliers pack and deliver loads safely.
- 202518 Jun
Powers of Health and Safety Representatives guidance note
Guidance explains health and safety representatives’ statutory powers at offshore petroleum facilities. It covers access to information, consultant assistance, requests to review safety management documents, provisional improvement notices and directions to cease unsafe work. It also describes inspection requests, appeals, protection against discrimination and coercion, and requests for prosecution.
- 20256 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 500 - Dropped Steel Plate Due to Defective Lifting Device and Inadequate Hazard Analysis
A steel plate released from a worn magnetic lifter during drilling operations, falling approximately 47 inches onto two workers’ left feet. The alert identifies inadequate task hazard analysis and reluctance to stop work. Recommendations address lifting-device inspection, functional testing, safety communication, and electromagnet power stability and duty-cycle limits.
- 202516 May
MSF: Multiple LTIs - Vessel gangway fell from quay causing injuries
Five workers were injured when a container vessel’s gangway moved off the quay; one fell into the water. Tidal movement had positioned the gangway partly over a ladder void. The flash identifies absent supervision, slack hoist wires and faded markings, and presents suggestions on positioning, procedures, checks, signage and correct PPE use.
- 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.
- 2025Apr
Knowing ‘why’ makes tasks safer — Process Safety Beacon, April 2025
This bulletin compares valve actuator removal incidents in La Porte in 2021 and Baton Rouge in 2016. It highlights missing procedures and training, and stresses understanding why critical tasks follow specified steps. Recommendations include illustrated instructions, signed checklists, demonstrated competence and checking procedures against field conditions.
- 20257 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert 497 - Weather Creates Sudden and Unpredictable Risks
BSEE describes a wave-related femur injury on a deepwater drilling rig and further adverse-weather incidents involving personnel transfers, vessel collision and lost dynamic positioning capability. Recommendations address weather-dependent access restrictions, communication of unusual hazards, suspension of non-critical work and assessment of medical evacuation capabilities during adverse conditions.
- 20256 Mar
Diver lifted off seabed
A diver’s umbilical snagged on another bell’s clump weight, lifting the diver approximately 4–5 m above the seabed during adjustment. Services remained intact. The flash describes stopping the operation and clearing the umbilical, and recommends second-diver or ROV monitoring when divers pass close to objects being lifted.
- 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.
- 20256 Feb
MAIB: Parted mooring rope leads to fatality
A deck officer suffered fatal head injuries when a mooring line parted during strong winds alongside a container vessel. Released tension lifted a bight aboard, rather than snapping the rope end onto the forecastle. The flash discusses snap-back zones, possible arrestors and a campaign encouraging crew to challenge unsafe positioning.
- 202523 Jan
Safety Flashes – a review of 2024
Reviews IMCA’s 2024 Safety Flashes, covering 88 member-shared events and 33 drawn from public sources. Highlights line-of-fire exposure, hand and finger injuries, bypassed safety controls, lifting, working at height, equipment failures and dropped objects. Includes a reference list of the year’s flashes and reinforces stop-work authority.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 79 (Summer 2025)
Six confidential maritime reports examine heavy-weather fatalities, navigational audit findings, lifting entanglement, a pilot boarding fall, obstructed firefighting equipment and exposure to residual acid fumes. Commentary connects operational shortcomings with communication, supervision and safety culture, with separate lessons for seafarers, ship managers and regulators.
- 202417 Dec
High potential: spontaneous opening of hydraulic release shackle (HRS) pin
A hydraulic release shackle opened during vessel lifting operations, dropping approximately 4–5 metres and remaining suspended by its hydraulic hose. Nobody was harmed. Subsequent checks identified damage to two shackles. Findings highlighted an unassessed change to the hydraulic set-up, procedural non-compliance and inadequate communication; lessons emphasise change control and stopping work when uncertain.
- 202412 Nov
Diver exposed to unplanned release of production gas
A saturation diver removing a blind stab from a subsea skid was pushed backwards by released production gas but remained unharmed. The flash identifies unverified isolation, deviation from procedures, inadequate review of task risks and unused ROV tooling. It highlights change management, procedural hold points and reinforcement of stop-work authority.
- 202424 Oct
AC vent unit cover dislodged and fell 1.7m
An air-conditioning vent cover detached from a capstan electrical cabinet on a pipelay tower and fell approximately 1.7 metres, without injury. Initial investigations identified galvanic corrosion of securing rivets. The flash calls for compatible fixings, checks of primary and secondary retention, and updates to dropped-object checklists and planned maintenance.
- 202424 Oct
Dropped sheave and clump weight
During wind turbine monopile installation, a clump weight was hoisted into a sheave, breaking it and dropping both components onto the deck. No injuries occurred, but equipment damage and a hydraulic oil spill resulted. The flash highlights simultaneous winch operation, inadequate observation, absent automatic stops and lessons on lift oversight and stopping unsafe work.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202418 Jul
Contact with Oikos Jetty 2 by chemical tanker Ali Ka
Investigation of Ali Ka’s contact with Oikos Jetty 2 during departure from Canvey Island without tug assistance. It examines passage planning, bridge-team coordination, propulsion orders, tidal effects and ECDIS settings. Pilot fatigue was assessed as highly likely to have contributed; recommendations address fatigue management, training, tug provision and challenge resolution.
- 202416 Jul
BSEE Safety Alert 486 - Heat Advisory
BSEE alerts offshore workers to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, outlining symptoms, preventive measures and treatment. It recommends that operators and contractors, where appropriate, consider employee advice, periodic rest breaks, stop-work authority and job safety analysis using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool. The information does not replace professional medical advice.
- 202416 Jul
Electric shock after water ingress to switch
A vessel visitor received an electric shock from a steering-room switch left live and unprotected after maintenance. Water entered during engine-room washing following major repairs. The flash highlights completing maintenance before reinstatement, isolating and protecting electrical connections during cleaning, and recording regular competent inspection and testing.
- 20242 Jul
UK MAIB: Man overboard – unguarded opening
A crew member preparing for berthing overbalanced while swinging a heaving line around a pillar and fell through an unguarded opening. Crew recovered the person using a line; medical assessments found no injury. The flash highlights dynamic risk assessment, stopping unsafe work and subsequent installation of a railing.
- 202424 Jun
BP - Husky Oregon Chemical Release and Fire
Investigates the fatal naphtha release and flash fire at the BP-Husky Toledo Refinery in Oregon, Ohio. Examines cascading process disturbances, vessel overflow, manual draining, misleading level indications and alarm overload. Recommendations address engineered overfill safeguards, abnormal-situation procedures, stop-work practice and alarm performance, alongside shortcomings in applying earlier incident lessons.
- 202418 Jun
Personnel exposed to hydrogen sulphide during maintenance
Subcontractors encountered hydrogen sulphide during annual acid-filter maintenance in a vessel’s well treatment system room. Re-entry after an All Stop led to alarms indicating 357 ppm; no adverse health effects were reported. The flash identifies residual water and chemicals and broken pressure gauges, and emphasises evacuation, reporting and safe re-entry.
- 202418 Jun
Swinging load after loss of position
During backloading of an empty refrigerated container, a Pipe Supply Vessel lost position and the load swung uncontrollably. Wind gusts, thruster wash and loss of a thruster DP signal contributed. Nobody was harmed and equipment was undamaged. Lessons address vessel-to-vessel operational limits, cargo-lifting procedures and adherence to ASOGs.
- 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.
- 20243 Jun
Stored energy – dislodged pin causes injury
A worker suffered a forehead laceration when a stuck securing pin was forced out using a hydraulic jack during structure removal. The flash examines unassessed changes to the work method and exposure to stored energy. Lessons include stopping and reassessing changed tasks, with pin cages or catchers proposed as an engineering solution.
- 202422 May
Crew member suspended above deck by lifting equipment
A trainee deckhand aboard a crew transfer vessel was lifted when his loose work restraint lanyard snagged on a rising hook and wire sling. He fell unharmed between one and two metres onto lifting bags. Lessons address lanyard positioning, clearing rigging of snagging points, communication and stopping unsafe work.
- 202422 May
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) crew member snagged on tag line and lifted off feet
A CTV crew member guiding slings during crane-hook recovery was lifted about 0.5 m above the deck when a tag line snagged or became entangled on harness carabiners. Prompt intervention returned him unharmed. The flash highlights deck positioning and reports the operator’s procedure review and discussions with crews.
- 202422 May
Hand and finger injuries... Two recent incidents
This safety flash describes two hand injuries: a fractured little finger caused by movement of a moonpool door ram on a flat pallet, and a cut from a sharp-edged ceiling plate. Lessons address thorough task assessment, reassessment when work changes, stopping unsafe work and wearing protective gloves.
- 202430 Apr
Injuries to the eyes and face
Three crew incidents involve a screwdriver striking a cheek, an unplanned hydraulic-fluid release injuring a crane driver’s face and eye, and airborne debris entering an eye despite safety glasses. The flash discusses tool choice, written work instructions, refresher training, appropriate eye protection, engineering controls and stop-work authority.
- 202416 Apr
A reminder on watertight doors
A safety walkaround found watertight doors open when they should have been secured. Reviews on other fleet vessels identified routine shortcuts and gaps in crew awareness. The flash explains flood containment, reiterates SOLAS and company closure requirements, and asks how safe working could be made easier.
- 202416 Apr
Main bell wire rope damaged
During bell recovery after a saturation dive, a broken outer wire rope strand lifted a proximity switch bracket into the sheave, damaging the main bell wire. Operators stopped recovery and freed the bracket. The flash describes design shortcomings, sensor relocation, cutting back damaged wire, a witnessed load test and an empty-bell trial.
- 202419 Mar
Person struck and injured during lifting operations
During spar decommissioning, a partially attached fire water pump skid came free on a second lifting attempt and struck a nitrogen vessel previously cut 95% loose. The vessel struck a worker. The flash identifies unknown welds, inadequate work and change controls, and ignored crew concerns, emphasising preparation, listening and reassessment.
- 202427 Feb
Heavy equipment fell over during manual handling
A wheeled control cabinet toppled during manual handling, striking a crew member’s leg and bruising their knee. The flash identifies omitted wheeled-load risks, disregarded handling instructions and unsafe positioning. Lessons address task-specific assessments, pre-work discussion, manufacturer guidance and stopping unsafe work; the crew subsequently fabricated a handling ramp.
- 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.
- 202412 Feb
Fall Protection – Defective Safety Harness
A technician noticed an abnormality in a safety harness during vessel back-deck equipment recovery, prompting an immediate stop. Inspection revealed defects around the plastic back pad. The flash discusses inspection competence, missing evidence of pre-use checks, maintenance and storage shortcomings, and actions covering visual inspection, equipment registers and unserviceable harnesses.
- 202412 Feb
High potential: navigation near offshore wind turbines
A chartered survey vessel twice breached a wind turbine safety zone while seeking its closest approach line. The flash examines lost situational awareness, unfamiliarity with vessel handling and shortcomings in bridge procedures. Actions address watchkeeping, survey route planning, shift handovers and crew competency vetting.
- 20247 Feb
Safety warning issued following a chain failure on scallop dredger Honeybourne III with loss of 1 life
This safety bulletin examines a fatal deckhand injury aboard Honeybourne III after a quick-release chain failed during dredging gear retrieval. It discusses wear and inspection difficulties where chains pass over static derrick-head pins, alternative release arrangements, and recommendations for urgent documented risk assessment, mitigation and crew communication.
- 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.
- 20249 Jan
Leak in hot water system for saturation divers
A saturation-diving hot-water unit leaked through locally corroded pipework inaccessible for visual inspection. Diving was suspended because the remaining unit lacked backup. Repairs involved welding a sleeve over the leak and inspecting the other unit. The flash suggests considering wall-thickness measurements of old pipes.
- 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.
- 20236 Dec
LTI: Fingers injured during fender lifting operation
A crew member sustained severe finger injuries when a polypropylene hauling rope jerked under swell-induced tension during fender lifting. The flash examines hand positioning, inadequate task analysis and failure to stop work as conditions changed. It discusses glove limitations, rope slack and prompt onboard medical care.
- 202314 Nov
Safely Approaching a Helicopter on Offshore Helidecks
An offshore crew-change near miss involved personnel approaching a helicopter from the rear while its rotors were moving and before pilot clearance. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider pilot confirmation, aircraft-specific safe entry zones, passenger familiarisation and facility-specific procedures. The alert also describes the air crew’s stop-work intervention.
- 202313 Nov
Positive: Master stopped unsafe fuel transfer whilst vessel alongside rig
A supply vessel halted fuel transfer after its watch officer spotted welding on an adjacent semi-submersible rig. The flash highlights prompt bridge intervention, reporting and positive recognition by rig management. It identifies missing communication about hot work despite mandatory confirmation of simultaneous operations through the Safety Zone checklist.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20233 Oct
Serious hand injury during mooring operations
A dock worker sustained a serious hand injury while removing a mooring rope from a bollard during vessel departure preparations. The flash describes insufficient slack, rising tension at the winch and absent messenger or tail lines. It highlights inadequate planning and risk assessment, hand positioning and readiness to stop unsafe work.
- 202312 Sep
BSEE: Hazards to Personnel During Lifting Operations
This safety flash summarises BSEE examples of workers pinned or struck during offshore lifting. It presents recommendations on barricading hazardous areas and measures operators and contractors should consider, including careful tagline handling, suitable rigging, clear escape paths, weather monitoring, stopping uncontrolled lifts and maintaining communication.
- 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
Red Zone Hazards Pose Increased Risk to Personnel During Lifting Operations
This alert describes three offshore lifting incidents involving workers struck or trapped by moving loads. It recommends restricting access to red zones and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider careful tagline handling, suitable rigging, clear escape paths, weather monitoring, stopping uncontrolled lifts and maintaining communication.
- 202322 Aug
Heat Advisory - Heat Related Illnesses Occurring Offshore
This alert describes two offshore cases involving dehydration symptoms and severe heat exhaustion, including treatment and transfer ashore. It outlines heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms and recommends that operators and contractors consider hydration, cooling breaks, medical attention, work/rest policies, stop-work authority and task-level hazard assessment where appropriate.
- 202315 Aug
LTI – Person fractured pelvis in a fall from a ladder
A crew member fractured his pelvis after slipping from a temporary cargo-hold access ladder aboard a cargo vessel. The flash examines blocked permanent access, an unprotected platform edge, absent risk assessment and change management, and unchallenged subcontractor standards. Actions address contractor assurance, supervision, stop-work authority and safe access.
- 20233 Aug
Near miss with high pressure gas due to incorrect procedures
A crew preparing to pig high-pressure gas mains questioned a valve closure and identified that it would block the intended downstream flow. Work stopped and valves were restored to normal. Review found instructions based on an obsolete drawing; operations remained suspended pending correction, avoiding a compressor trip and possible downstream supply problems.
- 2023Aug
Unsafe bolts on BendPak XPR series two-post vehicle lift
HSE warns that some BendPak XPR two-post vehicle lifts have understrength arm-restraint bolts, creating a risk of collapse or a vehicle falling. Users should check bolt markings, torque and redesigned gear fitment, replace unsuitable components before further use, and arrange competent thorough examination and maintenance.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during lifting operations
A second engineer injured his right middle finger beneath a hydraulic-system cylinder while helping position a pallet during vessel crane operations. The flash identifies missing lifting training, participation without the task briefing, and failure to stop work. It recommends reducing congestion, wearing appropriate gloves and reconsidering work when circumstances change.
- 202313 Jul
LTI: Serious hand injury – fingers lost in unexpected hatch closure
A crew member checking an engine-room emergency hatch suffered finger injuries requiring amputation when an improvised chain restraint failed. Safety locking pins were missing. The flash identifies shortcomings in planned maintenance, pinch-point awareness and toolbox talks, and calls for improved maintenance implementation, thorough briefings and stopping work rather than improvising safety equipment.
- 20231 Jul
BSEE: Lack of training with hydraulic torque wrench contributes to fatality
A drillship crew member died after a stuck hydraulic torque wrench was freed under applied tension and shot upwards during riser disconnection. The flash identifies unrecognised tool limitations, inadequate training and communication, and supervisory shortcomings. Actions address job safety analysis, formal training, stop-work intervention and tool compatibility.
- 20231 Jul
LTI – Crew person cracked shin bone
An engineer fractured his tibia after taking a shortcut around stairs where maintenance obstructed access to a control panel. He struck the stairs, lost balance and hit his ankle on a valve. The flash highlights maintenance-related access hazards, risk assessment, communication, signage, physical barriers and stopping unsafe work.
- 20231 Jul
Small boat crew exposed to FPSO process water discharge (fumes and aerosol)
Deck crews supporting diving at a live FPSO developed symptoms after exposure to process-water fumes and aerosols. Increased discharge and changing wind conditions were not adequately communicated or recognised. The flash describes stopping work, medical examination and follow-up, and calls for improved briefings, risk assessment and consideration of discharge diversion.
- 202321 Jun
BSEE: A warning on tagline entanglement
This safety flash summarises four offshore incidents in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted, without injury. BSEE recommendations address hands-free alternatives, anti-tangle lines, line condition and length, safe handling and retrieval, clear work areas, and agreed communications before lifting.
- 202324 May
Hand injury while using manual torque tool
A project engineer assisting with bolt torquing injured his hand when it slipped between a force multiplier’s reaction bar and a gooseneck. The flash identifies gaps in supervision, role briefing, toolbox-talk participation and training, and calls for clear responsibilities, inclusive briefings and understood stop-work authority.
- 202316 May
Adaptation and Modification of Tool Results in Injury
An offshore worker sustained a hand laceration requiring sutures while shortening a combination wrench with a hacksaw for hydraulic-line installation. The alert examines unavailable suitable tools, unapproved modification and failure to consult a supervisor. Corrective actions address close-radius tools, pre-job hazard assessment and communicating restrictions on altering manufacturers’ equipment.
- 202316 May
BSEE: Swing rope transfers
This safety flash relays BSEE accounts of swing rope transfers involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends standalone transfer operations, formal risk assessment, stop-work authority, competence assessment and alternatives where practicable. IMCA does not recommend swing ropes.
- 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.
- 20234 Apr
Hand injury from portable grinder
A subcontract worker sustained a 3 cm hand laceration after inadvertently starting a portable grinder during flowline fabrication at a spool base. The flash identifies incorrectly positioned wheel protection, reduced grinder safety features and lower-protection gloves, and recommends guarding checks, consistent subcontractor equipment requirements and appropriate stop-work intervention.
- 20234 Apr
LTI: Hand injury in galley
A cook preparing meat aboard a vessel alongside suffered a serious palm laceration when his knife slipped, requiring surgery to repair three nerves. The flash discusses absent butcher’s gloves, meat temperature, pushing and pulling the blade, and unassessed slipping risk. Lessons address cutting direction, appropriate PPE and lone workers’ stop-work authority.
- 202316 Mar
Broken Breaker Bar Injury with Medical Evaluation Guidance
A wrongly sized breaker bar fractured during star-nut removal, causing a worker to fall into a steel beam and sustain dental and lip injuries. The alert shares tool inspection, selection, positioning and stop-work lessons, and recommends considering medical-treatment options, worker privacy and regulatory reporting obligations.
- 20238 Mar
Khamsin Drillship Fatality (update)
A drillship crewmember died after a stuck hydraulic torque wrench, tensioned with a hydraulic utility winch, released upwards and struck him during riser bolt removal. The alert identifies training, communication, design and oversight shortcomings, and recommends operators and contractors consider improved job analysis, training, stop-work intervention and observer responsibilities.
- 202316 Feb
High-potential incident: Person struck by Yokohama fender
A crewman was injured when a Yokohama fender pivoted during lifting aboard a vessel in harbour, trapping him against a bumper bar frame while he released sea fastenings. The flash identifies gaps in task planning and risk assessment, and describes reviews of fender storage, personnel positioning and stop-work expectations.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Crew member crushed finger when opening fire flap
A crew member fractured his index finger between an emergency fire-flap hatch and its frame while a colleague pulled a rope in the opposite direction. Following deluge-system testing, difficulties releasing a butterfly nut exposed shortcomings in planning and risk assessment. Lessons emphasise comprehensive toolbox talks and stopping to reassess changed conditions.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Finger crushed while moving mobile gantry crane
A bosun crushed his index finger while dragging a dismantled mobile gantry crane support leg when a wheel turned and the leg collapsed. The flash identifies inadequate planning, communication, supervision and risk assessment. Actions included a lighter crane with wheel locks, improved deck access and further safety training.
- 202311 Jan
Umbilical management – near miss
A diver’s umbilical became trapped when a pipeline rolled during crane-assisted removal of sleeper supports beneath a repair spool. The diver freed it and was unharmed. The flash identifies missing removal procedures, unrecognised umbilical hazards and absent change management, recommending a removal procedure and crew review.