Improper use of lifting equipment

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 1 April 2002
  • Generated on 3 July 2026
  • IMCA SF 03/02
  • 1 minute read

A Member has reported the following incident. 

What happened?

A driller was positioning a rig sub-structure base area, lifting up the front extension. The sub-structure was lower than the extension and the driller used a forklift to lift it up and push a connecting pin. He used the forklift to push the pin inside by one fork. While pushing, he started hammering the pin and the fork slid to one side and hit his right foot.

The driller suffered a fracture of his right foot.

What were the causes?

The investigation identified:

  • Improper use of equipment conventionally used only for lifting operations.

Action

The contractor involved has reiterated that forklifts shall only be used for lifting operations and the handling of goods.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Arm injury – need for focus on safe isolation and task control

A worker sustained an arm injury while troubleshooting a malfunctioning garbage compactor.

Read more
Floodlamp causes scaffold board to start smouldering

Workers on the accommodation deck noticed light smoke emanating from a nearby scaffold structure.

Read more
Lamp fixture fire in office cabin

A fire broke out in a ceiling lamp fitting in a cabin on a vessel.

Read more
BSEE: Prevent fires by inspecting cords, plugs and welding leads before use

The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Alert 515.

Read more
More positive stories

Some more stories of good things happening – what went right.

Read more

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.