Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
Wearable equipment intended to protect workers from hazards.
Newest 100 Documents
All 608 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.
- 202613 Aug
Grounding and subsequent loss of the fishing vessel Silver Cloud II (WK 80)
Investigation of Silver Cloud II’s grounding and subsequent loss near Lochinver. The skipper fell asleep during a lone navigational watch, very likely through acute fatigue exacerbated by illness and inadequate rest. Analysis examines watch alarm limitations and crew abandonment; regular safety drills likely helped the three crew escape without injury.
- 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.
- 202628 Jul
Man overboard from the bulk carrier World Prize with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a bosun’s fatal fall into the sea during combination-ladder rigging on World Prize. It analyses normalised unsafe practices, ineffective supervision, permit compliance, incompatible flotation and harness equipment, and radio shortages. Pilot-boat recovery capability and training gaps are examined alongside subsequent corrective actions; no recommendations were made.
- 202615 Jul
Allision of the rigid inflatable boat Peaky Blinder with a navigation beacon with the loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Peaky Blinder’s fatal allision with a navigation beacon in Portsmouth Harbour examines excessive speed, ineffective lookout and alcohol-related impairment. It discusses absent personal flotation devices, recreational boating alcohol regulation and harbour speed enforcement, with recommendations addressing statutory alcohol limits, public awareness and adherence to speed restrictions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
- 202631 Mar
Offshore Inspection Guide Electrical Power Systems
An inspection guide for assessing electrical power systems and duty holder compliance. It addresses generation, distribution, protection, portable equipment and safe electrical work, with condition-monitoring methods including partial-discharge analysis, thermography and insulating-oil assessment. Performance scoring supports regulatory intervention planning; ATEX equipment is excluded.
- 202624 Mar
Person injured when pry bar slipped
A crew member fractured a right-hand knuckle after a pry bar slipped while refitting a dislodged vehicle track. The flash discusses circumstantial pressure from worsening weather, amendments to the job safety analysis and the possibility that impact gloves might have reduced injury severity without preventing it.
- 2026Mar
Decontaminate Before Opening! — Process Safety Beacon, March 2026
A contractor suffered acid burns when residual hydrogen fluoride escaped during flange maintenance after incomplete piping decontamination. The bulletin examines missing drawings, vacuum and nitrogen purging, and reduced protective clothing. It stresses field verification of isolations, clearing trapped material and retaining full protection until piping is proven free of hazards.
- 2026Mar
Personal Safety (USCG)
US Coast Guard inspection questions address personnel safety on manned and unmanned OCS platforms. They link protective equipment, housekeeping, deck guarding, lifesaving provision, escape arrangements and emergency drills to regulatory authorities and enforcement actions. Individual entries carry update labels, including March 2026 changes to escape and survival equipment checks.
- 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.
- 202622 Jan
Fall from a pilot ladder while attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot boarding accident involving Finnhawk and Humber Saturn. A probable cardiac event preceded the fall, while recovery-platform failure left the injured pilot partially immersed for over 40 minutes. The report examines medical fitness assessment, hydraulic defects, maintenance, cold-water protection and rescue training.
- 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
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 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.
- 202517 Nov
Broken equipment repaired or replaced
Five cases describe defects affecting a dock firefighting pump, immersion suit zip, emergency exit handle, ventilation flap seals and lifejacket storage box hinges. Repairs, replacement and additional inspection arrangements restored readiness. The flash highlights potentially serious cumulative consequences of minor defects and suggests considering regular checks of safety equipment details.
- 202513 Nov
Noise exposure standards guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum dutyholders on statutory noise exposure limits and reducing risks to ALARP. It explains ear-position measurement, instrument calibration, source reduction, hearing-protector selection and attenuation calculations, audiometric surveillance and reassessment. It also addresses enforcement and recommended acoustic benchmarks for accommodation and support areas on fixed and mobile facilities.
- 20257 Nov
Smoke in the battery room
A vessel alongside experienced smoke from overheated nickel-cadmium batteries supplying a DP-system UPS. Crews isolated circuits and removed batteries for cooling, without injury or escalation. The flash examines uncertain causes, restricted cabinet access and incomplete records, highlighting battery inventories, detection, emergency training and installation improvements.
- 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
PPE only works when you wear it correctly! — Process Safety Beacon, November 2025
This Beacon examines a California refinery release during pressure-gauge replacement, where ineffective isolation and absent respiratory protection increased harm from hydrogen sulphide exposure. It explains limitations of personal protective equipment and stresses task-specific procedural requirements, correct use, pre-use inspection and regular checks of condition and respirator cartridge expiry.
- 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.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 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
MSF: Grease gun hand injury
A crew member suffered a grease injection injury through a glove while disconnecting a battery-powered grease gun hose during tensioner maintenance. The flash reports a malfunctioning pressure release valve and possible handling and training shortcomings. Lessons emphasise manufacturer instructions, pre-use hose and nipple inspections, suitable gloves and consideration of safer tools.
- 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.
- 2025Sep
1 - Big people in lifeboats and lifesaving appliances
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on accommodating increasing worker weight and size in evacuation and rescue arrangements. It explains statistical passenger design-weight calculations, capacity adjustments, seating and restraint suitability, and considerations for other lifesaving appliances and medical equipment. It also addresses verification, interim arrangements and safety-case changes.
- 202514 Aug
Head Injury in Engine Room
A Chief Engineer suffered a head laceration after striking a sharp lighting protection grille rod in an engine room. The grille stood 168 cm above deck and had unprotected ends. The flash discusses overlooked installation hazards, absent head protection, and considering hazard hunts, design changes, padding, marking and reminders.
- 202511 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert 505 - BSEE Risk-Based Inspections Reveal Increase in Slip-Trip-Fall Hazards on Offshore Facilities Inspections
BSEE reports findings from a Performance-Based Risk Inspection of 19 offshore assets following an increase in slip, trip and fall injuries. Findings address training gaps, obstructed walkways, sharp edges, simultaneous operations, safety boots and faded markings. Recommendations invite operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved hazard checks, housekeeping, training and footwear maintenance.
- 202518 Jul
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Njord with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Njord’s capsize and sinking while processing a large catch, with one crew member drowning. Analysis examines catch loading, downflooding through an open drain valve, vessel modifications and stability-book assumptions. Indicative digital stability modelling supports the findings, alongside examination of flotation protection, liferaft deployment, emergency communications and rescue.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202516 Jun
Heat Stress Hazard Alert
This alert explains heat-related illness symptoms and occupational and personal risk factors for oil and gas extraction workers. It outlines employer, supervisor and worker responsibilities, covering acclimatisation, work–rest schedules, hydration, cooling areas, buddy systems, protective clothing, medical screening and training to recognise and respond to heat illness.
- 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
Hand injuries dealing with sharp objects
Two incidents involved a cutter slicing through a glove during halyard maintenance and a damaged package rim cutting a crew member’s hand during manual adjustment. Lessons emphasise keeping hands clear of blades, using stable cutting surfaces where possible, wearing suitable protective gloves and inspecting packages for hazards.
- 202527 May
Honeywell Geismar Chlorine and Hydrogen Fluoride Releases
Investigation of three releases at Honeywell Geismar’s HFC-245fa unit between 2021 and 2024, involving fatal HF exposure, a corrosion-driven reboiler explosion and serious injury during gasket replacement. The report examines mechanical integrity, startup procedures, protective equipment, organisational change and capital funding, recommending independent auditing and safer-technologies analysis.
- 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.
- 2025May
Know the signs of heat illness — Process Safety Beacon, May 2025
This bulletin uses a fatal heat-illness incident on a New York road construction project to explain workplace heat risks. It discusses dehydration, indoor heat exposure and heat retained by protective clothing, recommending frequent water intake, monitoring colleagues, gradual exposure and scheduling strenuous work for cooler periods where possible.
- 202529 Apr
Detergent chemical burn
An electrician and trainee suffered slight chemical burns from leaked detergent during dishwasher repairs aboard a vessel. Electrical isolation was addressed, but corrosive detergent hazards and labelling were overlooked. The flash highlights secondary hazards, stakeholder involvement, clear hazard identification and appropriate PPE for unidentified liquids.
- 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.
- 202519 Mar
Acetylene gas explosion
Two engineers setting up oxygen and acetylene cylinders experienced a small explosion and hose fire, leaving one with first-degree burns. The flash identifies inadequate flashback protection, bent hoses, faulty crimps, absent hot-work authorisation and unsuitable protective equipment. Lessons address arrestor placement and checking components after a flashback.
- 20256 Mar
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.
- 20256 Mar
MSF: Cook got chemicals in eye
A vessel cook suffered eye irritation when sodium hydroxide oven cleaner fell from a cooker hood during galley cleaning, passing behind prescription glasses. The flash identifies inadequate eye protection and lack of situational awareness, and describes eye cleansing followed by medical evacuation to hospital.
- 202527 Feb
Grounding and capsize of creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose with loss of 1 life
Investigation into the fatal grounding and capsize of Lexi Rose at Melrose Point. The report examines likely outboard lower-unit impact damage, loss of propulsion in swell, and constraints on single-handed emergency actions. It discusses distress radio use, anchoring limitations and the survival benefits of wearing a personal flotation device.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 78 (Spring 2025)
This maritime digest examines pilot-ladder deficiencies, a caustic eye injury, unacceptable accommodation, charcoal cargo fire, corroded walkways, yacht fire, disabled carbon dioxide firefighting and rescue-craft capsize. Commentary emphasises time for post-maintenance checks, equipment handovers, crew training and risk assessment, alongside protective equipment and seafarers’ rights.
- 2025
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025
A marine safety digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, capsizes and people entering the water. Case lessons address navigation, mooring, towage, maintenance and emergency preparedness, with detailed discussion of flotation-device entanglement, battery charging, fuel hoses and vessel modifications. Reproduced bulletins and flyers provide further incident-specific learning.
- 202412 Dec
Engine room fire on board ro-ro passenger ferry Stena Europe
Investigation of Stena Europe’s engine room fire while approaching Fishguard. Pressurised fuel escaped from a flange joint and ignited on exposed exhaust surfaces. The report examines recurring leaks, incomplete flange modifications, deficient insulation, maintenance and reporting weaknesses, firefighting response, and thermal imaging for detecting hazardous hot spots.
- 20244 Dec
Man overboard from potting vessel Pioneer with loss of 1 life
Investigation of the fatal overboard incident from Pioneer south of Hastings examines low bulwarks, unworn flotation devices, unsuccessful manual recovery and delayed distress communication. The initial fall mechanism remains uncertain. Findings address deficient risk assessment, emergency drills, safety training and fishing-vessel inspection and deficiency close-out arrangements.
- 202427 Nov
BSEE: recurring hand injuries from alternative cutting devices
This safety flash summarises two offshore workers’ hand lacerations while removing zip ties with alternative cutting devices. One cutter had a damaged protective tip; the other lacked a blade guard and rebounded. BSEE recommends task-specific tool selection, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202421 Nov
Mooring deck accident on bulk carrier Mona Manx with loss of 1 life
Investigation into a fatal mooring accident aboard Mona Manx at Puerto Ventanas, Chile. An entrapped spring line released under tension during an engine-powered astern manoeuvre and recoiled upwards, striking the second officer. The report examines procedural gaps, omitted entrapment risks, safe positioning and communication, and records subsequent safety actions.
- 202411 Nov
Snagging hazards
Two unrelated snagging incidents involved a cargo container catching on a deck light guard and a lifejacket strap engaging a tug’s anchor clutch. Slings parted in the first case; the anchor chain parted in the second. Lessons address visibility, crew communication, winch pre-use inspections and adequately sized clutch securing pins.
- 20243 Oct
Collision between pair trawlers Guiding Light and Guiding Star resulting in Guiding Star flooding and sinking
This investigation examines a collision during pair-trawler fish transfers south-east of Fair Isle, followed by Guiding Star’s flooding and sinking. It analyses unattended navigational controls, undocumented transfer practices, flooding limitations and emergency preparedness. Crew abandonment and recovery succeeded without serious injuries; recommendations address flooding awareness and accessible survival equipment.
- 202425 Sep
Man overboard during motion compensated gangway transfer
An offshore worker fell overboard from a height of one metre when a manually station-kept vessel drifted off and its motion-compensated gangway disconnected. His life-jacket failed to inflate, but he was recovered within 22 seconds. The flash addresses gangway emergency procedures, drift-off familiarisation, flotation-device checks and safety induction.
- 20245 Sep
Safety warning issued following a man overboard from potting vessel Kingfisher with loss of 1 life
This bulletin presents initial findings after a Kingfisher deckhand was pulled overboard during creel shooting. A creel leg rope threaded through his flotation device’s lifting strop connected him to the backrope. It calls for deck risk assessment reviews and task-appropriate flotation devices, while warning against unauthorised modifications that compromise recovery arrangements.
- 20244 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 488 - Flash Fires During Welding Operations
A flash fire and blast during nozzle tack welding on a fuel gas scrubber propelled a tied-off welder against a rail without injury. Subsequent flammability readings ranged from 0 to 70% LEL. BSEE recommends considering improved atmospheric checks, ventilation, hot-work protocols, supervision, training and protective equipment.
- 20243 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 487 - Recurring Hand Injuries While Using Alternative Cutting Devices
BSEE describes two hand lacerations during zip-tie cutting with alternative cutting devices: one had a damaged protective tip, and another lacked its blade guard and rebounded. Recommendations for consideration include task-specific tool selection in job safety analysis, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202414 Aug
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
A worker fractured their left little finger between a table and wrench while changing an angle grinder’s wire wheel. The flash identifies an incorrect method, absent formal training, missing impact-resistant gloves and failures in permits, risk assessment and supervision. Actions included revised assessment, formal training and review of supervisors’ responsibilities.
- 202414 Aug
Crew member cut hand on broken glass during heavy weather
A galley worker injured their left hand when a glass slipped, struck the sink and broke during heavy weather aboard a rolling vessel. The injury required seven stitches. The flash highlights awareness of weather-related task risks, pausing to consider hand safety and the additional protection gloves could have provided.
- 20241 Aug
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Angelena
Investigation of Angelena’s capsize and sinking during single-handed catch recovery off Exmouth. It examines excessive suspended net loading, low fuel levels, vessel modifications and absent stability testing. The report also analyses crewing assumptions in risk assessments, stability training and lifesaving arrangements that helped the uninjured skipper survive.
- 202420 Jun
Flooding, capsize and sinking of stern trawler Piedras
Investigates the flooding, capsize and sinking of Piedras south-west of Mizen Head. The initial water ingress source remains unknown. Analysis examines unsuccessful pumping, watertight integrity, flood-response preparation and delayed distress signalling, alongside liferaft deployment and servicing deficiencies. All crew were rescued uninjured from the working liferaft.
- 202422 May
Engine failure and subsequent engine room fire
A diesel generator failed catastrophically aboard an offshore-working vessel, ejecting components and starting an engine-room fire. Nobody was harmed. The flash reviews effective Hi-Fog suppression, protective equipment and emergency leadership, and recommends procedural familiarity and revised response communications. It also suggests thermal imaging support and fire-station booklets.
- 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.
- 20241 May
BSEE Safety Alert 485 - Hand Tools Pose Risk to Offshore Personnel
BSEE describes two offshore hand-drill incidents involving gloves caught by drill bits, resulting in an index-finger laceration and a fractured thumb. Operators and contractors are asked to consider measures addressing hand placement, secured workpieces, drill binding, suitable protective equipment, pre-use inspection, tool selection and intact guards.
- 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.
- 202430 Apr
Trapped finger during mooring operations
A deckhand trapped his right-hand fingers while placing a spliced mooring line over bitts. Insufficient slack and forward vessel movement were identified as immediate causes. The flash discusses familiarisation, supervision, risk assessment and impact gloves, alongside line-handling alternatives and stopping the vessel where practicable.
- 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.
- 20248 Feb
Fall overboard from fishing vessel Eder Sands with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall overboard during net shooting west of Ireland. The report examines unguarded working positions, undocumented procedures and inadequate risk assessments. Lifejacket trials support the probable loss of a loosely fitted lifejacket. Recommendations address flotation-device suitability, correct wearing, vessel-specific procedures and consideration of personal locator beacons.
- 202422 Jan
Person injured going down ladder
A worker descending a fixed carousel manhole ladder lost his footing and fell approximately 87 cm. His helmet came off and his head struck a steel structure. The flash discusses possible contributions from misjudgement, an unsecured chinstrap and poor lighting, and records lighting improvements and reminders to secure PPE correctly.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2024
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational craft incidents. Cases examine pilot ladders, navigation, mooring machinery, suspended loads, falls and recovery from the water. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address RIB passenger injuries, dredging-chain failures, fire-extinguishing systems and flotation-device suitability.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2024
A collection of marine accident accounts and preventive lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating. Cases examine steering and propulsion failures, mooring injuries, grounding, fire, flooding and capsize. Lessons address maintenance, navigation, risk assessment, equipment interfaces, watertight integrity and emergency evacuation, alongside reproduced safety bulletins and flyers.
- 202318 Dec
Two hand injuries
Two marine incidents involved a pilot’s knuckle injured by an abruptly closing access hatch and a seaman’s thumb crushed during small-boat mooring. The flash examines hatch securing, bulky backpack access, unassessed pinch points, communication and glove compliance, recommending secured hatches and separate transfer of bulky bags.
- 202318 Dec
Worker cut hand on broken mirror
A vessel crew member suffered a deep left-thumb cut while trying to repair a broken mirror after a cabin door detached. The flash identifies absent planning and risk assessment, unsuitable protection and disregarded instructions to await assistance. It describes first aid, medical attention and subsequent checks of cabin furniture fixings.
- 202314 Dec
Heavy contact between the high-speed passenger craft Seadogz and a navigation buoy with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Seadogz’s fatal collision with a navigation buoy in Southampton Water. It examines skipper workload and visibility, chart plotter accessibility, passenger seating and handhold protection, lifejacket effectiveness, and operator oversight. Recommendations address passenger protection, inconsistent regulatory guidance and port assessment of high-speed commercial passenger operations.
- 20236 Dec
Didion Milling Company Explosion and Fire
CSB investigates fatal combustible corn dust explosions at Didion’s Cambria mill. It examines propagation through interconnected dust collectors and pneumatic conveying systems, secondary explosions and building collapses. Comparative mill teardown, dust testing and explosion modelling support analysis of deficient safeguards, change management, housekeeping, emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight.
- 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.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Electrician injured in explosion
An electrician suffered serious burns aboard a ship after a spanner bridged live switchboard conductors, causing a short-circuit and arc flash. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with the circuit-breaker assembly, disregarded instructions, unplanned work without a permit or lockout/tagout, and unsuitable tools and protective equipment.
- 202330 Nov
Yenkin-Majestic Resin Plant Vapor Cloud Explosion and Fire
Investigation of a fatal resin-plant explosion and fire following solvent vaporisation and release through an altered reactor manway. The report examines pressure-containment design, inadequate alteration assurance, agitator-dependent safeguards, alarm deficiencies and evacuation preparedness. Recommendations address low-pressure vessel guidance, safer process design and flame-resistant clothing.
- 202314 Nov
Flash Fire from Oxygen Regulator Leads to Burn Injury
A crew member suffered first- and second-degree wrist burns when an oxygen regulator burst during preparations for welding in platform decommissioning. The alert explains oxygen-system ignition hazards and recommends considering brass rather than aluminium fittings, controlled valve opening, contamination prevention, maintenance, training and protective clothing that keeps skin covered.
- 20233 Oct
Emergency Response – Version 3 October 2023
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholder emergency arrangements and rating performance. It examines emergency planning, command, communications, muster, evacuation, escape and recovery, distinguishing escape provision from evacuation capacity. Detailed checks address survival-craft capacity, familiarisation, maintenance, emergency lighting and compatibility of protective equipment.
- 20238 Sep
Welding Hazard Alert
This alert addresses welding fume exposure in the oil and gas industry, including respiratory and neurological harm from toxic metals. It presents open-air manganese exposure findings and outlines employer and worker responsibilities for air sampling, local exhaust ventilation, training, respiratory protection and chromium-related medical examinations.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20231 Jul
Person slipped on stairway while wearing shoe covers
A person wearing cloth shoe covers slipped down approximately four vessel stairway steps. Holding the handrail prevented further slippage but strained their torso and shoulder. The covers’ grip had worn away, and they had remained on outside accommodation. The flash recommends removing covers outside required areas and checking grip before use.
- 202329 Jun
Person overboard from stern trawler Copious with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Copious during a trawl-gear repair on the aft bulwark. It examines inadequate risk assessment, cold-water incapacitation, incorrect lifejacket fit and unsuccessful recovery. Analysis highlights limitations of the Markusnet arrangements and drills for unconscious casualties, alongside subsequent owner actions and regulatory recommendations.
- 202322 Jun
Person overboard from creel fishing vessel Harriet J with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines the fatal overboard accident involving Harriet J’s lone skipper off south-east Scotland. He probably became caught in a chain weight while deploying creels. The report analyses deck segregation, inability to reboard, unworn flotation and locator equipment, cold incapacitation, rescue efforts and dissemination of guidance for lone-operated fishing vessels.
- 20238 Jun
Safety Bulletin - Hazardous Offshore Work
Following a recent offshore fatality, this bulletin revisits risk assessment for rigging and moving loads. It explains the hierarchy of controls, prioritising elimination and engineering measures over administrative controls and PPE. It emphasises reassessment when circumstances change, executive oversight and statutory duties, without establishing incident root causes.
- 202324 May
Painter line snapped and hit crew member in the face
A safety flash describes a painter line breaking during towing, with its flying end striking a worker’s face and destroying his safety glasses. The helmet and glasses may have prevented more serious injury. Investigation remained ongoing, and the notice emphasises the importance of personal protective equipment.
- 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 finger injury during mooring operations
An able seaman broke his left index finger while unmooring after ship-to-ship refuelling, losing 45 days of work. The flash identifies poor glove condition, insufficient rope slack, absent rope extensions and inadequate oversight of inexperienced personnel. Lessons address supervision, rope extensions and sufficient slack during handling.
- 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.
- 2023Apr
Noise and Vibration
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ management of occupational noise and hand-arm vibration. It combines inspection questions, performance scoring and enforcement expectations with discussion of engineering controls, tool selection, exposure-time management, hearing protection and health surveillance. It distinguishes hearing protection from noise control and addresses sustained regulatory compliance.
- 202313 Mar
Finger crushed under Tether Management System (TMS) protection guard
A worker’s left ring fingertip was crushed while closing a Saab Seaeye TMS8 protection guard after losing grip. The flash discusses unsupported guards, cold hands, unsuitable gloves and incomplete task assessment. Included manufacturer advice specifies guard removal and refitting precautions, recommending two people and prohibiting work with only two securing pins.
- 202327 Feb
Battery explosion during routine maintenance
A harbour tug’s Chief Engineer sustained minor injuries when a spanner inadvertently short-circuited a battery during preparations to replace a failed disconnect switch. The flash discusses electrical isolation, terminal protection, suitable tools and protective equipment, alongside increased maintenance inspection and consideration of chargers with temperature sensors.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning during Oxy-Acetylene brazing
A crew member suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while repairing a refrigeration valve using oxy-acetylene brazing. The flash identifies incomplete risk assessment, omitted exhaust ventilation and inconsistent mask requirements. Lessons address ventilation, exposure duration, air testing, conditional respirator use with personal CO monitoring, and further welding-hazard training.
- 202318 Jan
LTI - Finger injury during davit test
During rescue-boat davit testing, a winch brake failure caused the craft to fall, trapping a crew member’s hand between a tensioned painter rope and a handrail. The flash describes serious finger injuries, inadequate supervision and toolbox communication, and lessons on rope handling, protective equipment and specific launch and test procedures.
- 202311 Jan
02/23: Serious hand injury (MSF)
A crew member sustained a deep finger incision when returning a knife to its belt sheath after splicing polypropylene gangway guide ropes. Gloves had been removed and not replaced. The flash recommends intended knife use, cutting away from the body on a stable surface, required protective equipment and careful attention.