Dropped object near-miss: wind sensor
- Safety Flash
- Published on 4 September 2013
- Generated on 6 December 2025
- IMCA SF 13/13
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported an incident in which part of a plastic fixed unit wind sensor weighing 0.8 kg dropped 10 m to the top of the bridge roof.
The wind sensor fell from the top of the aerial deck to the top of the bridge deck. At the time of the incident there were no works taking place on the ROV deck or on the roof of the bridge; there were no injuries. Weather conditions at the time were gusting southerly winds at 11 m/s or 21.3 knots, and the vessel was heading into the wind.
Use of the ‘DROPS calculator’ for this dropped object showed that the potential had it actually hit a person was for a major LTI.
Figure 1 - Showing where wind sensor fell, from the top of the aerial deck to the top of the bridge deck
Figure 2 - Showing wind sensor in situ without its lid
Figure 3 - Showing the lid of the wind sensor (weight 0.8 kg)
Actions
Our Member took the following steps:
- Ensured that all vessel departments have a robust DROPPED Objects inspection regime in place.
- Ensured that all equipment at height is in a planned preventative maintenance programme.
- Checked fixed unit equipment to ensure that integral fixings are in place (if possible check securing means).
Members’ attention is drawn to the following IMCA material which may be of assistance:
- Avoiding dropped objects (poster, pocket card)
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