Serious crane incident
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 April 2003
- Generated on 26 February 2026
- IMCA SF 03/03
- 1 minute read
IMCA has received a report of a roustabout being crushed during a lifting operation.
What happened?
The incident occurred on a rig which was in the vicinity of a platform. During a lifting operation, a tank had been lifted from deck in such a manner that it swung towards the roustabout, who had been stationed as flagman. The crane operator did not have eye contact with the flagman.
The flagman was struck, receiving a crush injury to the hip.
Our member drew the following conclusions:
The company involved noted that the roustabout had not been in the correct position, but that the lift should not have commenced until the clear signal had been communicated by the flagman, who had been out of the line of sight of the crane operator when the incident occurred. It has re-emphasised to its personnel the importance of following procedures and being safety-aware at all times, especially so during potentially hazardous operations such as this.
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.