Dropped object incident
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 October 2014
- Generated on 16 June 2025
- IMCA SF 16/14
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported an incident in which an object of 100 kg fell 2 m onto a scaffold platform.
What happened?
The incident occurred in port during the removal of a 55t tensioning mechanism from a horizontal lay system (HLS) on board a vessel. The tensioner was pre-rigged with primary rigging to the main crane and auxiliary rigging to the upper side of the horizontal lay system. The strain was taken on the rigging to allow the unbolting of the tensioner from the HLS. Once the bolt removal was complete the deck foreman instructed the crane driver to take more load on the crane. When the crane took more load on the primary rigging the rigging came into contact with the product guide bars and pushed a guide bar off the horizontal lay system. The guide bar weighed 100kg and fell 2m onto a scaffold platform on the HLS. There were no injuries.
After the guide bar had been pushed off the horizontal lay system
Guide bar
Reccommedations
Our member has made a number of modifications to the design of the horizontal lay system, in order to prevent recurrence:
- Limit the requirement for auxiliary rigging to install or remove a tensioner;
- Fit end stops onto the guide bar slide guides to stop them being pushed off the HLS.
Our member noted that all future lift plans or procedures with respect to the HLS should ensure that the guide bars are removed before installation/removal of a tensioner, or securely lashed together to ensure they do not come into contact with any rigging.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 06/13
3 May 2013
-
IMCA SF 08/11
27 July 2011
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.