WSH: Dropped objects fatalities – workers struck by fallen loads during lifting operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 October 2015
- Generated on 3 February 2026
- IMCA SF 15/15
- 2 minute read
The Workplace Safety & Health Council of Singapore (WSH) published two recent safety alerts regarding dropped object fatal incidents where workers have been struck and killed by falling loads during lifting operations.
Incident 1
Four workers were on a barge, coiling the hoses (about 30m long) of a hydraulic power pack as the hydraulic power pack was being lifted by a crane.
During the lifting operation, the drip tray at the bottom of the power pack suddenly became dislodged and struck the workers as it fell onto the barge.
All four workers were sent to the hospital. One of the workers succumbed to his injuries and died later the same day.
Incident 2
A crawler crane was lifting bundles of reinforcement bar links (rebar links) from a trailer bed to a six-storey high work area. During lifting, one bundle detached from the entire load and hit a worker working on the trailer bed. He was subsequently pronounced dead on scene by paramedics.
Though only one of these incidents occurred offshore, they form a timely and tragic reminder to crews that no one should be directly under the load during lifting operations.
Members may wish to review Guidelines for lifting operations.
IMCA also has a video – Be prepared to work safely – Lifting operations (available in ten languages).
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