Topic
Dropped Objects
Objects falling or becoming detached and striking people or assets.
Newest 100 Documents
All 1,002 in search- 202612 Aug
Crane Failure Highlights Crane Inspection Gaps
Two platform crane incidents involved failed sheave bearings, a falling boom and a dropped cable and load block. Inspection gaps included omitted pin removal and inadequate lubrication checks. The alert recommends considering revised inspection criteria, scheduled inspections, training to recognise mechanical distress and lift planning around vessel interfaces.
- 20261 Jul
Inspect A2B Systems and Wire Rope Terminations to Prevent Crane Hazards
A lift boat crane incident involved a detached anti–two-block weight, corroded wire rope and falling components. Recoiling rope struck a nearby diver, causing minor injuries. The alert recommends considering termination maintenance, pre-use and periodic inspections, adjusted replacement intervals in corrosive environments, and competence assurance under API RP 2D.
- 20261 Jul
Verify Riser Fin Retention Systems Before Prompts Riser-Handling Operations
Two thermoplastic fins detached during slick-riser handling, creating dropped-object near misses. Findings identified inadequate retention tension, omitted torque verification and 48-hour re-torque, deficient refurbishment and inconsistent checklists. BSEE recommends manufacturer-specified securing checks, design improvements, procedural discipline, vendor acceptance assurance and dropped-object risk assessment.
- 202614 May
High Potential Near Miss: Dropped object due to contact with crane sheave
A vessel crane near miss involved a DP beacon striking sheave protection bars, detaching with its holder and falling to the deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines wire-mounted attachment, absent secondary retention, unconsidered management of change and inadequate access controls, highlighting crane limits and third-party equipment coordination.
- 202628 Apr
Unsecured sheave pin fell from crane
A 1.3 kg sheave pin fell from a third-party crawler crane and was found on deck, with no injuries. The flash identifies incomplete assembly documentation, an undocumented configuration agreement and absent secondary retention. Lessons address configuration records, additional securing safeguards and responsibility for subcontracted equipment risks.
- 202615 Apr
BSEE: Exterior Walkway separates from temporary living quarters, putting workers at risk
An offshore accommodation walkway detached while three workers stood outside their room; all remained safe. Temporary quarters had served for 23 years, with inadequate inspections and degraded tab welds. The flash presents BSEE recommendations for operators to consider long-term design needs, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive weld testing.
- 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.
- 202617 Mar
Failure of A-frame fold-down platform
A hinged A-frame platform failed during sheave-block load checks aboard a vessel alongside for mobilisation, leaving a crew member suspended in their harness with minor injuries. The flash identifies missing cotter pins, hinge design flaws and galvanic corrosion, alongside omitted change management, scheduled maintenance and platform inspections.
- 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.
- 20263 Mar
BSEE: Falling corroded crane component results in near miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 16 m during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 6 m from personnel. The flash describes outstanding inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricades, with lessons on inactive equipment, dropped-object controls and workforce involvement in pre-job planning.
- 20263 Mar
Dropped object: falling shim plate while lowering A-frame
A shim plate fell 15 m onto a crane cabin roof while a vessel’s A-frame was being lowered. The unsecured plates had remained in place through dirt and corrosion. The flash examines earlier modification and maintenance, missing hazard analyses, subsequent securing, and checks for components affected by changing crane inclination.
- 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.
- 202622 Jan
Umbilical support frame made contact with passing vehicle on public road
An umbilical support frame wing dropped during public-road transport and struck a passing vehicle. The flash identifies missing transport brackets, assumptions about retaining pins and absent securing instructions. Actions address drawing conformity, equipment marking, mobilisation and de-mobilisation verification, planning meetings and clear instructions for those moving specialist equipment.
- 202615 Jan
Fatal injury to a deckhand following a chain failure on the scallop dredger Honeybourne III (PD905)
Investigation of a deckhand’s fatal injury aboard Honeybourne III after a quick-release chain failed and a towing block fell during fishing-gear retrieval. The report examines chain bending, wear, material properties, inspection competence and suspended-load exposure, supported by laboratory testing and finite element analysis. It records company actions and regulatory oversight deficiencies.
- 202612 Jan
High potential dropped object - cradle falls from trailer
Two cradle inserts fell from a trailer before lifting rigging was fully tensioned, with four personnel nearby but no injuries or equipment damage. The flash identifies unstable upright storage, premature removal of securing straps, deficient lift documentation and communication, and conflicting banksman duties. Lessons address lift planning and understanding load geometry.
- 202518 Dec
Dropped object – Bailout cylinder inside diving bell
During saturation diving preparations aboard a vessel, an unsecured bailout set fell approximately 2.5 metres through the bell opening, striking the Transfer Under Pressure door. Nobody was injured; the cylinder was damaged. The flash identifies deficient securing and checks, and records replacement of S-hooks, formal instructions, revised hazard analyses and retraining.
- 20255 Dec
Falling Corroded Crane Component Results in Near Miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 50 feet during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 20 feet from personnel. The alert identifies uncompleted inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricading, and recommends considering improved job safety analysis, supervision and maintenance follow-through.
- 20254 Dec
Dropped pallet during cargo transfer
A plastic pallet carrying lubricant drums tipped and fell during a barge-to-vessel lift at an anchorage, rupturing drums and spilling oil on deck without injury or structural damage. The flash examines inadequate securing, procedural non-compliance and crew coordination, and describes improved load checks, secondary securing, toolbox meetings and supervision.
- 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.
- 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
SWL plate dropped from crane block
A safety flash describes a 0.9 kg SWL plate falling from an auxiliary hook block onto a vessel’s main deck, with its fall height unconfirmed. Suspected galvanic corrosion caused rivet failure. It highlights missed inspection hazards, undocumented fittings, checks of other plates and a brought-forward third-party DROPS inspection.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202514 Aug
Shore-side crane boom collides with vessel mast
A dock crane boom struck a vessel mast during shipyard lifting, dislodging wind and GPS sensors onto the deck. The flash describes poor visibility, ineffective banksman positioning and crane movement without signals. Discussion actions emphasise banksman roles, clear communication and providing dockyard management with vessel layout and dimensions before operations.
- 202531 Jul
Container door opened during transit
A workshop container door opened during road transport back to its supplier, allowing a 36 kg cable reel to fall onto the lorry. The driver stopped safely and secured the door with straps. The flash emphasises securing contents and doors, supplier requirements and pre-mobilisation inspections.
- 20253 Jul
UK HSE: load falls from lorry and kills cyclist
A cyclist was killed when a heat exchanger weighing over 2.5 tons fell from a lorry after its load shifted on a bend and a securing strap snapped. HSE identified inadequate securing, poor-condition ratchet straps and missing load-security training and securing instructions. Lessons emphasise suitable securing equipment and trained personnel.
- 202519 Jun
Fatal accident on the beam trawler Cornishman with loss of 1 life
Investigation material examines the fatal failure of Cornishman’s trawl quick-release chain, including corrosion, side loading and material properties. Technical annexes document magnetic particle inspection, metallography, hardness and break-load testing. Recommendations address inspection, fabrication quality and consideration of alternative release designs; an annex discusses the separate Honeybourne III accident.
- 202518 Jun
BSEE: Umbilical termination failure leads to dropped ROV
An ROV dropped to the seafloor during recovery when its umbilical parted at the cursor rail transition. Faulty resin casing and improperly arranged armoured strands compromised the attachment despite a previous successful pull test. BSEE recommends termination inspection procedures, re-termination training and pre-job connection checks. No personnel harm or seabed asset damage occurred.
- 202518 Jun
Dropped object hazard: access hatch to the communication dome
A scheduled mast inspection identified a detached communication-dome hatch. Its primary securing mechanism had failed, while an undersized secondary lanyard used adhesive pads that detached. The flash recommends mechanically fixed, appropriately rated secondary retention, anti-loosening measures, planned maintenance and procedural double checks after 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.
- 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.
- 202522 May
EC175 B Rotor Blade Failures at Offshore Platform During Strong Winds
Investigates rotor blade failures on EC175 B G-MCSH at the Elgin platform during strong winds. A partially seized rotor brake prevented blade securing; local vertical airflow was considered to exacerbate blade sailing. The report examines maintenance, securing equipment, helideck airflow, wind reporting and flight recorder anomalies, and makes six safety recommendations.
- 202516 May
Transport Malta: fatality after steel plates fell onto crew member
This flash summarises a fatality aboard a vessel where unsecured, vertically stored steel plates tipped onto a second engineer working alone. It highlights limitations in stowage and lashing arrangements, which prevented safe use of lifting aids, and questions heavy-plate storage, unnecessary spares and arrangements for lone working.
- 20257 May
Dropped Object Due to Corroded Deluge Flange
Following placement of a lower completion assembly, a retracting crane’s twin hook stinger swung and struck a deluge-line blanking flange. The 4.95 kg flange detached and fell 4.5 metres onto the drill floor, landing approximately 1.5 metres from the nearest person. The incident was classified as having fatality potential.
- 20254 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 499 - Failed Umbilical Termination Results in Dropped Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
An ROV dropped to the seafloor during recovery when its umbilical termination failed at a cursor transition point. Faulty resin and improperly positioned armoured strands were identified despite a previous successful pull test. BSEE recommends termination inspection procedures, training and pre-job connection checks. No personnel harm or seabed asset damage occurred.
- 20253 Apr
Incidents occurring during decommissioning
This safety flash compiles decommissioning incidents involving offshore structures, lifting and diving work. Cases include falling loads, damaged rigging, structural collapse, chemical exposure and underwater burning. It summarises breaches of selected life-saving rules and records a riser recovery incident in which personnel remained clear of the lifting area and escaped injury.
- 2025Apr
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 9 (April 2025)
This superyacht incident digest examines a post-dry-dock fire, unsuitable crew accommodation during repairs, drug use, inadequate provision for working aloft, a falling crane hook, fatigued anchoring and unrecognised enclosed spaces. Commentary addresses safety culture, equipment readiness, familiarisation, design feedback and atmospheric testing.
- 202519 Mar
Injuries during lifting operations
Two lifting incidents caused minor injuries: crane two-blocking parted a wire and dropped lifting gear, while excess loading of a soft sling released a shackle during component alignment. Common findings concerned operator competence, supervision and line-of-fire awareness. Lessons emphasise experienced personnel, active supervision and keeping people clear of danger.
- 20256 Mar
Divers helmet struck and damaged subsea by crane hook
A crane hook slipped from a pipe handling frame during subsea spool tie-in work in poor visibility, striking and irreparably damaging a diver’s reclaim helmet without injury. The flash identifies insufficient pennant length and discusses safe separation, position monitoring, reinforced communication, rigging inspections and revised task hazard analysis.
- 202527 Jan
BSEE Safety Alert 495 - Turbine Generator Exhaust Silencer Failure
An offshore turbine generator silencer released perforated steel onto the deck after shutdown, with some pieces weighing up to 44 pounds. The alert describes 18 years of service and limited inspection coverage. BSEE recommends considering comprehensive exhaust-component maintenance, whole-silencer inspections, design assurance and dropped-object prevention measures where appropriate.
- 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.
- 202515 Jan
Crate Lid Dislodged Overboard
During helicopter operations at a drilling rig on the UK Continental Shelf, a wooden lid measuring 3 m by 3 m and weighing approximately 40 kg became detached from a hose transport crate and blew overboard. Nobody was in the area; the alert highlights storage risks near helidecks.
- 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.
- 202417 Dec
Structural failure of rescue boat
An unattended rescue boat failed structurally on its davit, dropping its hull into the sea without injuries. Excessive manual cranking forces, shock absorber maintenance and pressure issues, unclear instructions and unsuitable stowage were identified. Actions included inspections, torque-controlled cranking, davit modification and improved equipment acceptance arrangements.
- 202427 Nov
NTSB: Crane wire failure
This safety flash recounts a crane wire failure during offloading of a 69-tonne wind turbine nacelle into a cargo vessel’s hold. Undetected corrosion and strand-wire wear were the probable cause. It explains how grease concealed corrosion despite routine inspections and maintenance, and highlights inspection requirements and condition-dependent wire replacement intervals.
- 202411 Nov
Dropped object – wooden packing block
During pipelaying, a wooden packing block weighing approximately 1 kg travelled with the pipe into the tower, then fell more than 10 m onto a workstation floor without injury. The flash examines inadequate dropped-object barriers and pipe-deflection gaps, recommending suitable barrier design and personnel separation while warning against risk normalisation.
- 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.
- 202424 Oct
Main Crane failure during load test
An offshore crane overload test ended with broken main-block wires and two cargo barges falling into the water. Uneven drum torque followed clutch-pad slipping, linked to inadequate burnishing of new pads. The vessel listed approximately nine degrees; nobody was injured. Lessons cover burnishing, torque testing, planned maintenance and crane FMEA review.
- 202424 Oct
UK HSE: Incident during rig decommissioning leads to fatality
An IMCA flash summarises HSE findings from gas-rig dismantling ashore. A skirt pile weighing more than 27 tonnes struck a mobile elevating work platform, throwing two workers to ground about 12 metres below. One died; another sustained life-changing injuries. Findings highlight inadequate planning, risk assessment and supervision, with no cutting plan or safe system of work.
- 20248 Oct
Dropped Object – Mud Hose Lifting Collar Insert
An incident account describes half of a mud hose lifting collar insert detaching at the top-drive end and falling onto the drill floor within the red zone as casing running began. The newly installed assembly had undergone multiple dropped-object inspections during the yard stay and subsequent top-hole drilling.
- 20243 Sep
Near miss: lift bag released unintentionally from crane hook
A lift bag detached from a crane hook at the splash-zone during a saturation dive and floated near a vessel operating in DP mode. Incorrect folding and attachment allowed buoyancy to defeat the self-locking latch. No harm occurred. The flash recommends risk assessment, rigging checks and a tool basket.
- 202429 Aug
Dropped object during cable trans-spooling
During cable trans-spooling ashore, a failed connection bolt released a 5.7 kg roller, which fell 8 m and struck a worker’s shoulder. The flash examines inadequate risk assessments, missing secondary retention, changed offloading arrangements and uncommunicated cable wax, emphasising management of change and better communication.
- 202431 Jul
Dropped object: unsecured cargo inside box broke lose and fell
A safety flash describes unsecured cargo falling approximately 5 m onto a vessel deck during a quayside lift. A loose hydraulic ram broke its crate and destabilised the pallet assembly. Nobody was injured. Recommendations address cargo securing, competent inspection, trained lifting crews, pallet limitations and wind checks.
- 202431 Jul
Load lost from lorry on public road – inadequate securing of cargo
A lorry lost stacked hose cargo on a public road while negotiating a roundabout at low speed. Inadequate securing, unclear instructions and complacency were identified. The flash describes improved transport instructions covering securing materials, strap numbers and checking responsibilities, alongside a yard-team review of human factors.
- 202424 Jul
Rubber bumper stopper detached from mounting bracket and falls 20m
An offshore derrick elevator’s rubber bumper stopper detached from its mounting bracket and fell 20 m onto the Hydraracker upper level. The 600 g component was assessed using the DROPS calculator as potentially fatal. No personnel were in the area and no injuries were reported.
- 202424 Jul
Uncontrolled release of lower marine riser package
Following unlatching from the BOP ahead of pending weather, an uncontrolled riser-string release left the lower marine riser package on the seabed. Five droop hoses initially connected the upright string to the rig, then failed, allowing it to fall away from infrastructure. No personnel injuries or subsea asset damage were reported.
- 202416 Jul
Equipment fell on someone’s leg causing injury
A worker cleaning a bow thruster room suffered a leg injury when an unsecured auxiliary engine cooler shifted during equipment movement. Delayed treatment worsened the injury, and reporting took three days. The flash emphasises organised storage, securing loose parts, removing unusable spares, prompt reporting and immediate attention to injuries.
- 20242 Jul
Dropped halogen lamp caused small fire
During night-time painting aboard a vessel, wind gusts toppled a halogen lamp from scaffolding, igniting a board below. Nobody was injured; the lamp was destroyed and the board damaged. The flash highlights unattended equipment during breaks, stability checks, weather awareness and consideration of LED alternatives.
- 20242 Jul
ROV dropped to seabed
An ROV fell to the seabed after recovery-system latching problems and umbilical separation. Cold, dirty grease slowed the latch, while the operator could not see the locked-position indicator. The flash identifies maintenance, procedure and supervision shortcomings and describes cleaning, functional verification and renewed procedural assurance.
- 202418 Jun
Dropped welding fume extraction hood
During vessel pipelay, a 215 kg welding fume extraction hood fell and struck a crew member. Misunderstood installation drawings left it supported by a single bolt, which cracked and sheared under dynamic loading. The flash highlights modification control, securing arrangements and omissions from DROPS registers and inspections.
- 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.
- 202430 Apr
Near miss – lid on ash trash barrel blown off due to hot ash
A vessel waste-container lid was expelled by pressure from hot incinerator ash while a crew member attempted to release the compression ring. The lid fell 11 m to the main deck. The flash identifies unrecognised disposal risks and records installation of a goose neck vent and revisions to waste-management procedures.
- 202430 Apr
Near miss: dislodged grating with potential fall to sea
A vessel welder recovered without injury after GRP grating tipped and fell 5.5 m into the sea. Incorrectly secured clips, missing design clips and an unnoticed overhang were identified. The flash describes maintenance and checklist changes, future DROPS surveys, design guidance and approval requirements for grating modifications.
- 202416 Apr
UK HSE: worker injured by falling stack of batteries in flexible intermediate bulk containers
An IMCA safety flash recounts an HSE case in which batteries weighing at least 300 kg struck and severely injured a worker during restacking. Flexible intermediate bulk containers ripped. Findings identified overstocking, unsafe stacking and absent documented risk assessments or safe systems for battery stacking and storage.
- 202427 Mar
Person injured when chain hoist container failed at securing point
A chain-hoist container weighing approximately 30 kg fell around 0.8 m onto a crew member during pipelaying clamp adjustment, causing bruising and contusion. The flash identifies an inadequately engineered modification, omitted secondary retention and incomplete inspection detail, and calls for change management, improved maintenance inspections and secondary retention where required.
- 202419 Mar
MSF: Chemical handling – eye burn
A biocide splash from a hose during pneumatic pump checks reached a person on the deck below, causing a small eye burn despite safety glasses. The flash identifies inadequate risk assessment and missing access safeguards, and calls for relocation of chemical transfer, review of assessment and renewed toolbox discussion.
- 202427 Feb
Pipeline End Manifold yoke dropped from 45° position
A vessel rigging team released one restraint while adjusting a pipeline end manifold yoke held at 45°, causing the opposite cargo strap to fail and the yoke to fall horizontally. Two nearby workers were uninjured. Learning addresses unsuitable straps, engineered securing, task risk assessment and management of change.
- 202427 Feb
UK HSE: Crane boom collapse
This safety flash describes a crane boom collapse during preparations to recover a faulty submersible pump from an offshore rig. Debris struck a supply vessel and a snagged cement hose ruptured. The investigation identified an unchecked, incorrectly set limit switch, overridden joystick safety mechanisms and defective safety management. Nobody was injured.
- 202419 Feb
USCG: wire rope hazard management – dropped turbine nacelle
A vessel crane’s wire rope failed during offloading, dropping a 69-ton wind turbine nacelle 2.2 m onto the deck near personnel. Corrosion, wear and monotonic ductile overload were identified. The flash relays USCG recommendations on load testing, lubrication, maintenance tracking, earlier rope renewal, visual inspection and crane-operator training.
- 202412 Feb
Failure of self-righting frame on Fast Rescue Craft (FRC)
A fast rescue craft lost its self-righting frame during a rescue drill while travelling at approximately 15 knots. Securing arrangements showed stress and galvanic corrosion despite a recent visual inspection. The flash highlights periodic integrity inspections, potentially involving frame removal, and records recovery communication and repairs to manufacturer specifications.
- 202412 Feb
MSF: Two dropped object incidents
Two vessel incidents involved a metal wedge falling 13 m during gangway pin removal and a lightning rod falling 26 m onto deck. The flash examines unsecured items, access to drop zones and rod fittings, describing tethering modifications, improved barriering guidance and planned maintenance checks.
- 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.
- 202425 Jan
Fingerboard Locking Bolt Failure Leads to Near Miss Incident
A drilling-rig near miss involved six pipe stands falling from a fingerboard during cement line pressure testing. Investigators identified adverse weather and poor fingerboard design as main causes. The alert describes improved bolt retention and recommends that operators consider inspections, secure pipe racking, manufacturer updates and Red Zone management where required.
- 202425 Jan
Safety Alert-Fingerboard Failure Leads to Near Miss
Six pipe stands fell from a drilling rig fingerboard during cement-line pressure testing, with nobody on the rig floor. Investigators identified adverse weather and poor fingerboard design as main causes. The alert describes an enhanced locking arrangement and recommends considering bolt inspections, improved securing mechanisms and Red Zone management where required.
- 202422 Jan
Day Signal mast broke off and fell to deck
A vessel’s aluminium Day Signal mast broke off during deteriorating weather, with a 35 kg part falling 16 m to the main deck. Nobody was harmed; deck access had been restricted. Actions included additional securing wiring, dropped-object survey inclusion, and review of deck-closure procedures and mast inspection arrangements.
- 20249 Jan
Diver in the bell hit by falling object
A diver sustained minor head and shoulder injuries when a partially frozen water bottle fell into a diving bell transfer lock after its handle broke. Bottles were being used for cooling without a change risk assessment. Actions included updating change management and risk assessment, and starting arrangements for a bell chiller.
- 202313 Nov
High potential near miss: Crane part fell to deck
A vessel-transit near miss involved a 3.6 kg crane limit switch falling 6.5 m onto the deck without injury. The flash discusses inadequate plate design, unbalanced forces and deficient maintenance arrangements. Actions address redesign and more frequent inspection, while lessons highlight access difficulties and potentially misleading functional test results.
- 202313 Nov
High potential near miss: Dropped Paraguard stretcher during drill
During a rescue drill in a crane pedestal, a 12 kg Paraguard stretcher fell approximately 50 m after the descending cable was connected to the dummy’s harness rather than the stretcher. Nobody was injured. Lessons address equipment-specific rescue planning, attachment arrangements, team familiarity and exclusion of personnel from the potential drop area.
- 202330 Oct
Near miss: Dropped object during lifeboat testing
During lifeboat launch testing, a 7 kg turnbuckle and shackle fell 23 m onto the boat near a worker, who was unharmed. The closed turnbuckle concealed inadequate thread engagement. Actions included fleet inspections, replacement with inspectable open turnbuckles and revised pre-launch DROPS inspection procedures.
- 202330 Oct
Serious LTI – Person struck in rigging accident
A rigger suffered multiple serious injuries when rigging fell from a hatch cover during vessel loading. The flash examines oversized rigging, misleading drawings, missed radio instructions and fast thinking. Lessons address crew-aware design, positive confirmation of communications and end-user involvement in developing procedures.
- 20233 Oct
Unsafe flooring led to man overboard fatality
This flash describes a January 2023 fatality on a jack-up rig in transit, where a missing crew member was understood to have fallen through an opening left by dislodged polymer grating. It calls for checking fastener installation against manufacturer instructions, including loose grating in dropped-object checklists and updating planned maintenance as required.
- 202329 Aug
Fatality during transfer of pipes
This safety flash reports a fatality during pipework transfer between a quay and a vessel, with local authorities still investigating. It highlights suspended-load exposure, crush areas and sudden load movement, and recommends access barriers, securing loads against rolling and controlled drop zones adjusted for possible deflection.
- 202329 Aug
MSF: Air cylinder – high pressure discharge
A breathing apparatus cylinder’s pillar valve broke off while a crew member drained residual pressure before landing it ashore. Nobody was injured. The investigator considered impact from dropping the cylinder responsible. Recommendations address secure handling, slow controlled discharge, valve orientation and PPE; the owner is investigating excess-flow valves.
- 202315 Aug
MSF – Two recent dropped object incidents
Two Marine Safety Forum incidents concern a breakaway coupling falling onto an accommodation vessel’s deck and a barrier tape handle falling from an offshore platform onto a supply vessel. The flash discusses overdue coupling maintenance, unnecessary retention during lay-up, insecure handle design, and recommendations for maintenance, removal and consideration of secondary restraint.
- 20233 Aug
High potential: dropped chain assembly
A 2.3 kg chain assembly fell 10 m during lowering, grazing a worker’s helmet without injury. Wind displaced a soft sling, whose fibres prevented the hook latch from locking. The flash highlights unsafe positioning, poor visibility and absent communication, recommending correct rigging placement, clear lifting areas and supervision.
- 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.
- 202324 Jul
BSEE: Overhaul Ball falls to deck resulting in High Potential near miss
A safety flash describes a 350 kg crane headache ball falling 8 m during decommissioning and well abandonment, landing less than 60 cm from a rigger. A snag above the load cell masked slack developing during a blind lift. Recommendations address snag identification, slack detection, crew communication and lift planning.
- 202321 Jun
Davit hook failures
Two vessel incidents involved failed davit hooks: a workboat dropped into the sea without injuries, while a life raft hook retained its position despite a sheared screw. The workboat failure remained under investigation. Actions included suspending non-emergency operations, inspecting dismantled hook components and reviewing maintenance and annual inspection arrangements.
- 202321 Jun
Sheave became detached during lifting operations
A sheave detached during recovery of marine geophysical sensors and fell approximately 6 m to the deck, with nobody underneath. The flash identifies installation, change-management and verification shortcomings, including removed secondary retention. Actions included replacing the swivel connection, adding securing arrangements and improving equipment records and written instructions.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: Gantry crane wire parted causing injury
An engine-room gantry crane dropped a 1200kg cylinder liner during generator overhaul, damaging equipment and breaking a fitter’s toe. A replacement hoisting wire was 7 m shorter than specified, preventing effective limit-switch operation. The flash reports incorrect maintenance records, inspections and repairs, and recommends testing hoist limit switches before crane operation.
- 202316 May
Crane boom stopper fell to main deck
A vessel crane’s knuckle boom stopper pad detached during slewing in preparation for use. The 15.5 kg component fell 35 m to the main deck without injuring anyone. The flash describes its adhesive-only attachment, subsequent mechanical securing, and recommendations for additional fixings and inspection of difficult-to-access dropped-object hazards.
- 20233 May
Uncontrolled movement of spreader bar
During preparations for subsea spool deployment, a spreader bar rotated and fell onto the deck and spool as rigging was raised after sea-fastening removal. A nearby rigger moved clear; nobody was injured. The flash identifies shortcomings in hazard communication, lifting sequence, change management and design risk review, and recommends task briefings and debriefs.
- 202320 Apr
Dropped spanner falls 15 m
A spanner detached from its tool lanyard during hydraulic hose replacement outside protective netting and fell 15 metres to a deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines worn carabiner threads, unauthorised additional work and barrier weaknesses, and describes actions on inspection, maintenance, work limits and dropped-object exclusion areas.
- 202320 Apr
Equipment damage: Dropped object from tiltable lay system
During tensioner function testing, a door struck a seized bracket on an open inspection manhole gate, causing the 10.5 kg bracket to fall approximately 16 m. Exclusion barriers prevented personnel exposure. The flash highlights incomplete repairs, unrecognised clash hazards and failure to formally report earlier damage.
- 202320 Apr
Near miss – Messroom fridge fell over during rough seas
A vessel’s messroom fridge toppled during transit in 3–4 m seas after its securing brackets pulled out of a stud-wall bulkhead. No injuries were reported; the fridge sustained minor damage. The flash highlights inspecting heavy accommodation items and selecting suitable fixings with regard to the supporting wall’s strength.
- 202310 Mar
Overhaul Ball Crashes to Deck Resulting in High Potential Near-Miss Fatality
During decommissioning and well abandonment, a snagged wedge socket released a 700-pound crane headache ball, which fell 24 feet near a rigger. The alert examines misleading load indication and blind-lift communications. BSEE recommends considering snag-point assessment, secondary slack detection, verified load movement, toolbox discussions and safe-zone planning.
- 202327 Feb
Ineffective Crane Stinger Hook Pin Installation (BSEE)
A platform crane hook and suspended wireline lubricator fell after a sheared cotter pin allowed the hook pin to back out. This flash summarises BSEE findings on inadequate pin design and recommendations for threaded pins with nuts and keepers, retrofitting improper arrangements and adding pin-condition assessment to pre-use inspections.
- 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.
- 20239 Feb
High-potential near miss: Uncontrollable movement of auxiliary whip line
A vessel crane near miss involved uncontrolled auxiliary-line movement during start-up following water damage to its encoder. The wire parted, ejecting the block and hook before they fell to the deck; nobody was harmed. Lessons address encoder replacement, crane inspection, hook storage and revised procedures, risk assessments and personnel barriers.