Fall from the quayside into water
- Safety Flash
- Published on 22 May 2020
- Generated on 3 November 2025
- IMCA SF 16/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
Whilst slinging a palleted water bag (load), a third-party contract worker who was assisting in the operation fell approximately 3 metres from the quayside into the water.
The original, risk-assessed plan was to use the vessel crane to lift the load from the vessel onto the quayside, however it was not available. This resulted in the ROV crane being used with no re-assessment of the task. The ROV crane had less reach than the vessel crane resulting in the load being placed close to the edge of the quay and in the exclusion zone (as shown in the photograph.)
During the slinging operation, the worker entered the exclusion zone to feed the sling through the side of the pallet nearest the quayside edge.
During this operation the sling appeared to snag requiring additional force to release it. The sling released more easily than expected causing the worker to lose balance and fall into the water. He was uninjured and self-rescued via the quayside ladder within 3 minutes.
What went wrong?
- No-one stopped to think or STOP THE JOB.
- Change was not managed appropriately – the new circumstances meant equipment was being used in such a way as to place crew in danger.
What actions were taken?
- Emphasise the need to recognise and manage changes in operations requiring re-assessment and the Management of Change process.
- Emphasise the need for good situational awareness and do not allow people to put themselves in the line of fire.
- Ensure all third-party personnel involved in tasks are suitably briefed.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 20/15
3 December 2015
-
IMCA SF 04/16
5 February 2016
-
IMCA SF 20/15
3 December 2015
-
IMCA SF 17/14
31 October 2014
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.