Falling object – Load dropped by crane
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 January 2006
- Generated on 13 April 2026
- IMCA SF 01/06
- 2 minute read
We have received a report of a crane incident that happened in connection with the transport of a riser joint from pipe shuttle to pipe storage deck.
What happened?
In order to transport the riser joint to the pipe storage deck, it was lifted up approximately 1 metre with a gantry crane (pipe handling crane). The crane hook loosened from the hook block fastening point and both the hook and the riser joint fell down again into the pipe shuttle. The 12m long pipe weighed 7.3 tonnes. No persons were in the area during the incident.
The company discerned that the immediate causes of the incident were:
- worn-out threads; and
- ‘play’ in the hook
with underlying causes including:
- the ‘play’ in the hook had been reported earlier but this had not been followed up
- check ‘routine’s had been insufficient
- mounting failure was possible
- there had been insufficient control
- the hook fastening was badly designed.
The following actions were recommended:
- Immediate:
- Establish relevant check ‘routine’s
- Control other similar hooks/lifting arrangements
- Contact supplier.
- Further:
- Soft material inserts to be replaced and a better designed hook to be installed
- Total survey of technical condition of crane to be executed
- Operating time to be evaluated
- Checks to be carried out to ensure that all necessary certificates for lifting equipment are in place and easily accessible.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.