MSF: Potential dropped object
- Safety Flash
- Published on 16 June 2021
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 17/21
- 1 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published Safety Alert 21-08 relating to a potential dropped object which was found during lifting operations between a vessel and a platform.
What happened?
A metal plate of size 25 x 17 x 6 cm, weighing 1.6 kg, was found inside a forklift pocket hole on a 10′ container when the container was landed onto a platform from a vessel.
The MSF noted that the size and weight of the plate meant that this potential dropped object could have been life-threatening had it hit someone.
What went wrong?
The MSF noted that “one of the possible reasons that this particular plate may have been washed from its position within the main deck could have been that it was quite badly buckled or bent. This could have enabled water breaking onto the vessel’s main deck, to work beneath the plate to lift it.”
Actions
Check pin post/lifting point plates, to ensure that they:
- are not buckled
- fit correctly
- can be secured appropriately.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 09/21
30 March 2021
-
IMCA SF 29/18
21 December 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 26/18
3 December 2018
-
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.