Fatality and serious injuries during heavy lift operation
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 February 2003
- Generated on 19 March 2026
- IMCA SF 02/03
- 1 minute read
We have been advised of early details of the following incident which occurred at a construction site during the heavy lift of an alternator. One man was killed and nine others were injured.
What happened?
A 300 tonne alternator was being lifted using hydraulic jacks and beams. The lift was nearing completion when the equipment collapsed for unknown reasons. The exact cause of the failure is, as yet, unknown, but the company involved has instigated a review of similar types of lift, with the lifting plans and design being checked and verified by a competent specialist engineer.
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.