Unsafe Lifting practices during dry dock
- Safety Flash
- Published on 17 September 2025
- Generated on 14 February 2026
- IMCA SF 17/25
- 2 minute read
An unsafe attempt was made to lift 14 empty oil drums using only a web sling, without clamps, certified frames, or proper securing.
What happened?
During vessel repairs in a dry-dock, an unsafe attempt was made by employees of a dry-dock contractor to lift 14 empty oil drums using only a web sling, without clamps, certified frames, or proper securing. The job was stopped immediately, and a stand-down was held with contractors and vessel crew to stress safe lifting practices for personnel health and vessel integrity.
Why did it happen?
- Inadequate control of sub-contractors in dry dock
- There was no evidence of effective supervision of the dry dock contract personnel during the lifting operation.
- No detailed risk assessment nor proper toolbox talk (TBT) specific to the lifting task had been conducted. Roles, responsibilities and safe lifting methods were not clearly defined, nor communicated before work started.
- The dry-dock contractor’s lifting team underestimated the hazards associated with lifting unsecured drums. The potential for falling loads was not properly recognized, indicating lack of awareness regarding the consequences of unsafe lifting practices.
Lessons
- Better, more appropriate and closer supervision of lifting activities particularly those carried out by third-party personnel.
- Improve safety awareness and lifting training for dry-dock contractor’s lifting team and other third-party personnel.
- Ensure everyone understands the importance of pre-task risk assessment, toolbox talks and the Stop Work Authority.
Members may wish to refer to:
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 10/15
16 July 2015
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IMCA SF 32/21
25 November 2021
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