Dangers from insecure crane loads
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 October 2002
- Generated on 21 February 2026
- IMCA SF 10/02
- 1 minute read
This crane incident also occurred onshore, but the lessons to be learnt are equally applicable to Members’ lifting operations.
What happened?
During a major turn-around, fan tubes were being lifted using a tube tray. During the lift and while the tube tray was directly over the crane operator’s cab, the tube tray deviated from horizontal, causing the fan tubes to slide off. They plunged like arrows into the operator’s cab, piercing the back and seat of the operator’s chair. Amazingly the operator suffered only minor scratches to one leg.
This is a reminder that all ‘lifts’ must be taken seriously, from the lightest and least complex to the heaviest and most complex. Proper rigging and securing of loads is of vital importance and saves lives.
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