Control of sub-contractor personnel: Unplanned and uncertified lifting operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 16 July 2015
- Generated on 10 January 2026
- IMCA SF 10/15
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported a near miss incident in which sub-contractors’ lifting operations had to be stopped due to several unsafe conditions
What happened?
Sub-contractors were found using uncertified lifting equipment, and lifting slings were being used over sharp edges of vessel frames. Work was stopped by shore-based staff visiting the vessel.
It was found that:
- The crew and the sub-contractor personnel were unaware that they were engaged in potentially dangerous and inappropriate lifting practices.
- The sub-contractor had conducted no planning or pre-job inspection.
- Such risk assessment as had taken place, failed to consider all hazards, including the uncertified equipment and unsuitable position of lifting slings.
- The sub-contractor’s supervisor was not present when the operation started.
- Vessel crew failed to verify safety of job planning and certification of equipment when issuing the permit to work (PTW).
- Vessel crew and contractors failed to exercise the stop work policy when work was conducted in an unsafe manner.
Our member took the following actions:
- Stopped the job, held discussion with sub-contractor personnel and vessel crew.
- After management review, fabricated and welded on a pad eye to facilitate safe lifting activities
The following lessons were identified:
- Proper task risk assessment should be conducted at the planning and implementation stages to ensure that all potential hazards are identified and all necessary and required safety precautions are put in place.
- All equipment used for lifting operations should be properly certified and suitable.
- All lifting equipment should be inspected before and after use, and certification status should be confirmed accordingly, before issue of PTW.
- There should be appropriate control of sub-contractor’s personnel. If there is direct management control of the operations of a sub-contractor, or if contractor management has a ‘prevailing influence’ over the operations of sub-contractors, then the responsibility for safety generally remains with the contractor.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 10/13
25 June 2013
-
IMCA SF 16/09
10 November 2009
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.