Near-miss: Scaffolding collapse
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 February 2013
- Generated on 13 December 2025
- IMCA SF 04/13
- 1 minute read
The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority of Australia (NOPSEMA) has published a report regarding an incident in which a vertical scaffolding tube (a ‘dropper’) supporting a scaffolder began to slip under his weight.
The scaffolder alerted other workers in the vicinity but they could not reach the connection in time to tighten the coupler.
The tube continued to slip through the coupler until the scaffolder fell. Fortunately, the inertia reel harness he was wearing arrested his fall.
The scaffolder managed to keep hold of the dropper so that it did not fall into the sea, and was suspended over water for approximately seven minutes.
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.