Near-miss: Dropped object from cargo
- Safety Flash
- Published on 18 December 2014
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 19/14
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported a near-miss incident which a crew member was almost struck by a falling object.
What happened?
A steel object of approximately 1.8kg fell from a height of 12m onto the deck, landing close to the crew member.
Dropped object
Cargo showing loose debris
Our Member’s investigation revealed the following:
- The cargo was not sufficiently cleaned or prepared before loading.
- During vessel movement, the loose object moved towards the edge and at a certain moment fell over the edge.
- The immediate causes were identified as follows:
- insufficient cleaning of the cargo prior to delivery
- insufficient checking of the cargo prior to loading by the member.
- The root cause was identified to be insufficient awareness of client failure to clean the cargo could result in a hazardous situation.
- Our member noted that although the responsibility for delivering the cargo in a safe state lies with the client, it should not be taken for granted that this had been done, and the condition of the cargo should always be checked before loading.
Our Member took the following actions:
- Immediate inspection of the cargo for other loose items and removal thereof – insofar as the objects could be reached safely.
- Creation of exclusion zones underneath areas which could not be cleaned.
- Circulated this incident report to re-emphasize the hazards of dropped objects.
- Ensured pre-job risk assessments emphasize the possibility of loose objects on the cargo.
- Ensured client awareness of the responsibility to deliver the cargo in safe state.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 13/14
17 July 2014
-
IMCA SF 01/14
21 January 2014
-
IMCA SF 11/13
26 June 2013
-
IMCA SF 11/12
26 October 2012
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.