Working at height – Use of wooden handled hammers
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 September 2016
- Generated on 13 December 2025
- IMCA SF 23/16
- 1 minute read
A Member has drawn to IMCA’s attention a number of incidents involving the use at height of wooden handled hammers. All of these incidents involved the hammer head separating from the handle, and had the potential to cause major injury or fatality.
Our member took the following actions:
- Required crews not to use hammers with wooden handles when working at height.
- Required crews to use composite design hammers (single piece with integrated handles) when working at height.
- Ensured that tools are regularly checked to ensure they are in a serviceable condition and free of homemade repairs, and defects (loose heads, etc.).
- Ensured removal of all wooden handled hammers which were used for work at height.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 14/14
7 August 2014
-
IMCA SF 12/11
1 November 2011
-
IMCA SF 01/06
31 January 2006
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.